Indonesia Plans to Transition COVID-19 from Pandemic to Endemic

On the 28th, Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said at an online press conference that the covid pneumonia epidemic in Indonesia is under control, and Indonesia is ready to turn the covid epidemic into an endemic epidemic.

Minister Budi said, “Thank God, Indonesia is ready to turn the Covid-19 pandemic into an endemic”. Several indicators show that the situation of the covid in Indonesia has improved, including a decline in the number of confirmed cases and deaths in a single day across the country. In addition, the bed occupancy rate of COVID-19 hospitals across the country is already lower than 10%, and the COVID-19 positive rate is also lower than 5%, showing that Indonesia is well prepared to respond to the epidemic.

Minister Budi also commended the dedication and hard work of all health workers who are at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19. “The contribution of health workers in all regions has been remarkable,” he said.

On the other hand, in response to the termination of former Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto as a member of the Indonesian Institute of Doctors (IDI), Minister Budi responded that he hoped the issue would be resolved soon. Coordination among health workers is important to address health issues.

Budi noted that the Ministry of Health will initiate and assist the mediation process between the Indonesian Doctors Association and its members to have good communication and create a favorable situation. In addition, he said, Indonesia still has some “homework” in the health sector, including alleviating stunting, dealing with infectious diseases such as malaria, and minimizing diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.