Jokowi Says Indonesians Must 'Come to Terms' With Coronavirus

Heru Andriyanto, Lenny Tristia Tambun
May 7, 2020 | 11:23 pm
SHARE
Residents apply physical distancing as they stand in line for free rice distribution at an army office in West Jakarta on Monday. (JG Photo/Yudha Baskoro)
Residents apply physical distancing as they stand in line for free rice distribution at an army office in West Jakarta on Monday. (JG Photo/Yudha Baskoro)

Jakarta. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said on Thursday Indonesians must come to term with the coronavirus outbreak as it will remain to stay until a workable vaccine is invented.

Despite government’s tireless efforts to contain the outbreak, the number of confirmed cases cannot go down to zero immediately, but they will continue to fluctuate, the president said.

"Chances are the number of cases will increase, and then go down and rise again and drop again. Until an effective vaccine is invented, we must come to term with Covid-19 for an unforeseeable future,” Jokowi said in a video statement from the State Palace in Central Jakarta. 

Indonesia has 12,776 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, up by 338 since Wednesday, according to the National Covid-19 Task Force.

Advertisement

The task force also reported 35 more deaths to bring the total death toll to 930 in yet another fluctuating trend. The daily deaths were put at 23 a day earlier and only eight on Tuesday. The country only counted Covid-19 deaths from confirmed cases based on lab specimen tests.

The number of patients who have recovered from the respiratory illness rose by 64 to 2,381 patients.

According to the data, probable cases in hospitals also increased by 1,576 to 28,508.

Jokowi said the government has preferred to impose a partial lockdown in certain areas rather than a total lockdown since the beginning of the outbreak to allow economic activities to continue at certain degrees.

People are allowed to leave their home but mass gatherings are strictly banned, he said.

"I need to reiterate that the most important thing is to strictly follow the health protocol," Jokowi said.

The president said earlier he wanted all resources to be directed to the fight against the outbreak and its mitigations measures, adding the peak should be reached this month.
 

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


News May 14, 2025 | 10:25 pm

Jokowi Eyes PSI Top Post, Jokes About Beating the Odds

Jokowi said he is still making political calculations regarding the possibility of leading the youth-oriented party.
News May 9, 2025 | 11:36 am

Jokowi to Deniers: My Diploma Is Real -- Now Face the Law

Jokowi’s legal team appeared at police headquarters in Jakarta with the diploma, which was hand-delivered by his brother-in-law.
News May 8, 2025 | 6:28 pm

Jokowi: Media Has Crucial Role in Sustaining Public Morale

"With 10 years of experience leading the country, he remains a valuable voice of reason," Enggartiasto said of Jokowi.
News May 5, 2025 | 8:48 pm

Prabowo Rejects ‘Puppet’ Label, Defends Jokowi Ties as Statesmanship

Prabowo denies being Jokowi's puppet, calling ongoing talks with ex-presidents smart governance, not subservience, amid rising criticism.
News Apr 30, 2025 | 1:55 pm

After a Decade of Rumors, Jokowi Finally Reports Fake Diploma Accusations to Police

Ex-President Jokowi files a police report over fake diploma claims, saying the decade-long rumors must be legally resolved once and for all.
News Apr 30, 2025 | 9:39 am

Jokowi to Personally Report Four in Fake Diploma Claims

Former President Jokowi to file police report against four individuals over fake diploma claims, says his lawyer Yakup Hasibuan.
News Apr 23, 2025 | 2:10 pm

Prabowo Likely to Send Jokowi to Pope’s Funeral

Prabowo is skipping Pope Francis' upcoming funeral due to unspecified reasons.
News Apr 16, 2025 | 11:12 pm

Jokowi Privately Shows School Diplomas to Journalists to Refute Persistent Allegations

Jokowi asked that no photos be taken during the informal session, underscoring his desire to maintain personal privacy.
News Apr 11, 2025 | 2:40 pm

Jokowi Hires Legal Team to Confront Accusations Over University Diploma

Jokowi is once again facing renewed online attacks despite repeated confirmations from UGM officials affirming his graduation.
News Mar 31, 2025 | 7:02 pm

Luhut Responds to Protests, Calls for Polite Criticism

Luhut urges Indonesians to criticize respectfully, responding to student protests against the military law that led to violent clashes.

The Latest


Business 14 minutes ago

Indonesia Plans 2,000-Ton Monthly Rice Exports to Malaysia

Indonesia’s potential to export rice stems from its abundant reserves, now nearly 4 million tons, managed by the State Logistics Agency.
News 53 minutes ago

Barcelona Clinches Its 28th La Liga Title as Yamal's Stunning Strike Seals Domestic Treble

It completed a domestic double with the Copa del Rey title -- treble if you add the Spanish Super Cup.
News 1 hours ago

Rebels Kill Two Police Officers in Papua Motorcycle Ambush

Police blamed the ambush on a separatist group led by Ternus Enumbi, who is believed to be affiliated with the Free Papua Movement (OPM).
Business 2 hours ago

Other than Indorama’s $2 Billion Deal, Indonesia Lacks Appetite in US Investment

Purwakarta-based company Indorama plans to invest $2 billion in a blue ammonia project in Louisiana.
Lifestyle 11 hours ago

Chris Brown Arrested in UK for Alleged Attack at London Club in 2023

Brown was on a UK tour at the time of the incident. He is scheduled to tour the UK in June and July.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED