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Govt under increasing pressure to control pandemic
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President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo delivers his state of the nation address in traditional Baduy attire at the House of Representatives in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Monday. (Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau/Lukas)
P
resident Joko "Jokowi" Widodo commended his administration for its COVID-19 handling in his annual state of the nation address on Monday, but critics say more work must be done as the health crisis wears on.
Jokowi opened his speech by drawing similarities between the pandemic and a fire and said the crisis was a test, as well as a chance for the country to make a big leap forward.
“The pandemic has galvanized us to change, to develop new methods, to leave irrelevant old habits behind and to make the impossible possible,” he said, adding that the government had made “significant progress” in improving the state vaccination drive and health infrastructure.
Jokowi defended mobility curbs, including the current multi-tiered public activity restrictions (PPKM), which continue to change periodically, saying the government’s intention was to strike a balance between public health and the economy.
“It may be perceived as an ever-changing policy, an inconsistent policy. In fact, it is imperative to find the best combination between public health and economic interests,” he said. “[COVID-19] handling must be done with an adaptive strategy.”
Read also: Jokowi underlines spirit of mutual cooperation, collaboration in 'State of the Union' speech
On Monday, the government extended PPKM on Java and Bali again, until Aug. 23, but relaxed some restrictions further. The changes included allowing malls to open at 50 percent of capacity for vaccinated people, up from the previous 25 percent, and permitting export companies to have all their workers return to the office, as part of an experiment in cities and regencies imposing level 4 curbs, the strictest of the four-tiered system.
