Strengthen health resilience amid rising COVID-19 cases: DPR

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani urged the government to ensure robust national health resilience in response to rising COVID-19 cases in several countries in Asia.

"In addition to taking anticipatory steps, the government needs to ensure Indonesia's health resilience is strong, so when the worst-case scenario occurs, we are ready and can handle it," Maharani noted in her statement on Wednesday (June 4).

The House speaker underscored the need for the government to remain alert to the increase in COVID-19 cases by taking measured steps to protect the public, especially as similar trends are being reported in Indonesia.

"The increase in COVID-19 cases that has occurred in the Asian region clearly cannot be taken lightly. The government must act with a strong sense of urgency and must not be careless," she emphasized.

She further underscored that the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases in Indonesia provides momentum to strengthen the country's early detection and health systems.

"Of course, the government must increase testing and tracking capacity, ensure adequate distribution of booster vaccines, as well as strengthen public education and communication consistently and transparently," Maharani stressed.

In light of the increase in COVID-19 cases, she also called on the government to reintroduce strict health screenings at all international airports, particularly for passengers from countries experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases.

According to the speaker, early detection is crucial to preventing the spread of the virus.

"We must not rely solely on appeals or lax protocols. Strict health checks and contact tracing at the country's entry points must be carried out consistently," she stated.

In addition to supervision at home, she also emphasized the importance of the active role of Indonesian embassies abroad in responding to reports or complaints from Indonesians facing COVID-19 health risks, especially in Asian countries with rising cases.

"Our embassies must be at the forefront in providing protection and assistance. They are required to act quickly when citizens report emergency conditions or need help," she remarked.

Maharani encouraged the government to strengthen cross-ministerial coordination, including between the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Health Ministry, and the COVID-19 Task Force, to ensure effective supervision and protection of Indonesians abroad.

"This is not just about the number of cases but about the lives and health of the people. The government must work without compromise to protect the safety of the people, both at home and abroad," she explained.

She also urged the people to remain disciplined in maintaining their health and to re-enforce health protocols, such as wearing masks when sick or in crowded places, self-testing when symptomatic, maintaining good nutrition, and getting adequate rest.

Maharani expressed hope that the public would not be excessively worried about the rise in COVID-19 cases in Asia but instead use the lessons from the 2020 pandemic to take quick action before a major spike in cases occurs.

"We do not know when the next wave will come and how big the impact will be, but what is clear is that synergy between the government and the community is key,” she concluded.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin on Tuesday (June 3) acknowledged an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases in Indonesia.

On Wednesday, his ministry announced that it is preparing health facilities to anticipate a potential rise in COVID-19 cases after detecting seven new cases in the 22nd week of this year.

Head of the ministry's public communication and information bureau, Aji Muhawarman, reported that the highest positivity rate in 2025 was recorded during the 19th week at 3.62 percent.