Gov't Sticks to Current Covid-19 Game Plan Until Vaccine Arrives

Jakarta. A relatively milder recession and lower death rate than other countries have convinced the government to stay on its plan to guide this country out of the Covid-19 pandemic, a senior official said on Tuesday.
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo decided early on to take a two-pronged approach in handling this pandemic to balance the health protocols, like lockdowns and travel bans, with their economic impacts, almost to a fault that placed his administration under heavy criticism from epidemiologists health practitioners.
Seven months into the pandemic, Indonesia's economic performance remains among the best globally while reporting one of the pandemic's lowest death rates.
"Indonesia is one of the countries experiencing a moderate economic slowdown. Many other countries are experiencing a more severe slump,” Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, a deputy minister of State-Owned Enterprises, said.
Southeast Aisa's largest economy shrank by 5.3 percent in April to June period from the same period a year ago, a sharp turn from a 2.9 percent expansion in the first quarter, as large scale social restrictions (PSBB) put in place to stem the spread of Covid-19 hampered economic activities.
Since then, the government has eased the restrictions and allow most people to return to work and travel.
The Finance Ministry now expected that the country to have shrunk further by only 1 or 2 percent in the third quarter, another declining output for the second consecutive quarter that would qualify the country for a recession. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) will announce the official third-quarter data on Nov 5.
Still, Indonesia fared better than its peers in Group of 20. Brazil reported a 9.7 percent fall in the gross domestic product (GDP) in the second quarter. India's GDP shrunk by 25 percent.
A Rp 695.2 trillion ($47-billion) stimulus packages from the government also helped prop up the economy. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said on Monday that the government had spent half of the stimulus, mostly on social safety net like conditions cash transfers for the poor and unemployment benefits.
On the other hand, Indonesia saw fewer deaths from Covid-19 compared to its peers. The country reported only 12,734 total confirmed deaths on Tuesday, equal to 46 deaths per million of its population.
That put Indonesia's death rate in 107th place among 215 countries and territories tracked by statistics website Wordlometer on Tuesday. Brazil was in 7th place, with 724 deaths per million of the population, the United States in 10th (679), and India in 82nd, with 83 deaths per million people. Indonesia's figure, however, did not include the number of deaths in suspected cases.
"So there is one thing to be grateful for: the handling efforts that combine the 'gas and brake' has kept Indonesia in the current condition. We hope that we can maintain these efforts until the vaccine arrives and can be distributed to all communities," Kartika, who also serves in the government's Covid-19 Handling Task Force, said.
The government has placed orders for 160 million vaccine doses from China's Sinovac Biotech, the China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), and Britain's pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. It plans to start vaccinating people as soon as next month.
The public also seemed to support the government's current approach. More than 60 percent of Indonesians are satisfied with the Covid-19 handling, according to a survey conducted by a research firm Indikator Politik Indonesia last month. President Jokowi saw a bump in his approval rating for the first time since last year, the survey showed.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
Sri Mulyani: Government Can Only Fund 40% of $625B Infrastructure Needs
“This gap will require private sector participation, strong partnerships, and innovative financing strategies,” she said.No Need to Panic Over Recent COVID-19 Spike, Health Minister Says
Health Minister Budi Sadikin says recent COVID-19 variants in Indonesia are not deadly, urges public to stay calm and follow health protocolIndonesia on Alert as Prabowo Responds to COVID-19 Uptick
President Prabowo summons Health Minister Budi amid rising COVID-19 cases. Public urged to stay calm and follow basic health precautions.Indonesia Issues COVID-19 Advisory Amid New Wave in Asia
In Indonesia, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases dropped from 28 to just three over the past week.Indonesia’s State Revenue Falls 12% in Jan–Apr, Deficit Expected Ahead
Tax revenue totaled Rp 657 trillion, a decline of 8.7 percent compared to the same period in 2024.Indonesia, Thailand Sign Health Pact as COVID Cases Surge in Bangkok
Indonesia and Thailand sign a health MoU in Bangkok as COVID-19 cases rise, aiming to strengthen pandemic readiness and health systems.Indonesia, Thailand Sign Health Pact as COVID Cases Surge in Bangkok
Indonesia and Thailand sign a health MoU in Bangkok as COVID-19 cases rise, aiming to strengthen pandemic readiness and health systems.Sri Mulyani Warns of Major Shift in Global Trade Order Amid US Tariff Hikes
Sri Mulyani noted that Indonesia’s prompt decision to engage with the US placed it in a stronger position than other countries.Indonesian Minister Says Trump's Sweeping Tariffs Defy Economic Logic
She noted that the Trump administration’s approach appears disconnected from established economic theory.Sri Mulyani Reassures Investors on Prudent Budget Management as Stock Market Slumps
“I am not resigning and will continue my role in safeguarding state finances,” she said.The Latest
Over 20,000 Live Cattle Imported from Australia to Boost Indonesia’s Meat and Dairy Output
The government has lifted restrictions on live cattle imports and offers incentives to boost domestic meat and dairy production.Indonesia Predicted to Grow Just 4.5 Pct This Year if Israel-Iran War Doesn’t Stop
Analyst Bhima Yudhistira also says the looming Strait of Hormuz closure will cause oil prices to soar.Nadiem Makarim Questioned in Rp 10 Trillion School Laptop Graft Case
The former minister vows full cooperation in the AGO investigation into alleged corruption during the school digitalization push.Thunder Beat Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 for First NBA Title
Gilgeous-Alexander finished off his MVP season with 29 points and 12 assists, and the Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers.Indonesia Seeks Joint Venture Fertilizer Plant with Russia
Indonesia would increase crude palm oil (CPO) exports to Russia, while in return, Russia would facilitate beef exports to Indonesia.Most Popular
