President Jokowi Officially Lifts the Status of the COVID-19 Pandemic

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has made the official announcement that the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia is being lifted, and the country is now entering the phase of being an endemic. This significant development comes after more than three years of collective efforts in combating the pandemic.

In a televised address on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, President Jokowi expressed the government’s decision to revoke the pandemic status and transition into the endemic phase.

The decision to lift the pandemic status and declare it as an endemic was based on several key considerations put forth by the government. Firstly, the daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country are steadily approaching negligible numbers, indicating a significant reduction in the transmission rate.

This positive trend reflects the effectiveness of the implemented health and safety measures, as well as the adherence of the population to the recommended protocols.

Secondly, it has been reported that approximately 99 percent of the Indonesian population has developed antibodies against the coronavirus, as evident from the findings of serological surveys. This high percentage of individuals with antibodies provides a strong indication of the nation’s collective resilience and immune response to the virus.

President Jokowi also highlighted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has revoked the status of public health emergency of international concern. This global recognition further supports Indonesia’s decision to transition into the endemic phase, as it signifies the improving situation on a global scale.

However, President Jokowi emphasized the need for continued caution among the public. While the lifting of the pandemic status is a significant milestone, it is crucial to remain vigilant and maintain healthy and hygienic practices. The President urged all citizens to adhere to recommended guidelines and behaviors that contribute to a safe and secure environment.

President Jokowi expressed optimism regarding the economic implications of this decision. With the transition to the endemic phase, the government anticipates a positive impact on the national economy. It is believed that the improved economic conditions will lead to an enhanced socio-economic quality of life for the Indonesian population as a whole.

Providing a snapshot of the current situation, the latest data from the COVID-19 Handling Task Force reveals that, as of Tuesday, June 20, 2023, there have been a total of 6,811,330 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Indonesia. These cases have accumulated since the first reported case.

Additionally, the unfortunate toll of the pandemic has resulted in 161,848 fatalities, while 6,640,002 individuals have successfully recovered from the virus.

In response to the ongoing pandemic, the Indonesian government has been diligently implementing a comprehensive COVID-19 vaccination program.

The aim is to vaccinate a significant portion of the population, with a target of 234,666,020 individuals receiving the vaccine. This vaccination campaign plays a vital role in further mitigating the impact of the virus and ensuring the overall well-being of the Indonesian people.

As Indonesia enters the endemic phase, President Jokowi’s announcement serves as a turning point in the nation’s battle against the pandemic. While progress has been made, it is crucial for the government, health authorities, and the public to remain proactive and united in their efforts to safeguard public health, revitalize the economy, and create a brighter future for all Indonesians.