Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has urged the public to get vaccinated ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations, which mark the end of Ramadan. Jokowi specifically called for those who plan to travel to see their families during the holiday to get vaccinated, as this will help to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He also stated that the government will increase testing and tracing efforts during the holiday season.
Indonesia has seen a significant surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, with the country reporting more than 7,000 new cases per day on average. Health officials have warned that the country could face a catastrophic outbreak if the virus is not brought under control.
To prevent this from happening, the government has launched a massive vaccination campaign, with the goal of vaccinating 181.5 million people by early 2022. So far, more than 14 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the health ministry.
Jokowi’s call for vaccinations ahead of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations comes as many Indonesians are planning to travel to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. Traditionally, millions of Indonesians travel during the holiday season, which this year falls on May 12-13.
In his address, Jokowi emphasized the importance of taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the holiday season. He urged people to avoid large gatherings and to practice physical distancing, and he also called on local authorities to enforce health protocols vigorously.
Jokowi’s message was echoed by the country’s religious leaders, who have also urged people to take precautions during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI), the country’s highest Islamic authority, released a statement calling on Muslims to prioritize their health and safety during the holiday season.
The MUI also called on mosques to limit the number of people attending prayers, and it urged Muslims to avoid shaking hands and hugging each other during the holiday. The council also encouraged Muslims to donate to charity and to visit the graves of their loved ones at times when there are fewer people around.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s medical workers continue to work around the clock to treat COVID-19 patients. The country’s hospitals have been overwhelmed by the surge in cases, and there have been reports of shortages of hospital beds, oxygen supplies, and other medical equipment.
To address this, the government has opened new COVID-19 treatment centers, including makeshift hospitals and quarantine facilities. The government has also sent medical teams to some of the worst-hit areas to provide additional support.
Overall, Indonesia is facing a critical moment in its fight against COVID-19. While the vaccination campaign offers hope, it will take time to vaccinate enough people to achieve herd immunity. In the meantime, it is up to each individual to take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus and protect themselves and their loved ones.
