Cases Nudging 50,000, Again
Indonesia reported 49,071 new Covid-19 cases today, July 23, bringing the total to 3,082,410 since the pandemic began. There were also a record 1,566 new deaths, bringing the total to 80,598. Some 274,246 tests were conducted in the 24-hour period, a sharp increase from several days and ago likely the reason why more positive cases have been reported.
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WHO Urges Indonesia to Get Tougher
The World Health Organization has urged Indonesia to impose a tougher and broader lockdown to tackle the rising number of Covid-19 cases and deaths. Over the last five weeks, positive Covid-19 cases have increased five-fold in Indonesia, making it the global epicenter of the virus. According to WHO, strict enforcement of public health and social restrictions are critical, and more urgent action is needed to address sharp rises in 13 of Indonesia’s 34 provinces. Some 33 provinces have a positivity rate of over 20 percent, which means very high virus transmission according to WHO standards – the outlier, Aceh, has a 19 percent positivity rate. WHO guidelines say positivity rates should be 5 percent with sufficient testing.
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16 Additional Emergency Hospitals Being Readied
The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) is converting 16 facilities to be used as Covid-19 emergency hospitals, spread across seven cities: Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Solo, Surabaya, and Bali. PUPR estimates three facilities in Jakarta will be finished in the next three weeks: Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory, Pasar Rumput flats, and Kiara Maternal and Child Health Center (PKIA) at the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) complex.
Bali has prepared two facilities and Yogyakarta four, some of which have been operating since July 19. Bandung's three facilities have been operating since July 21. Surabaya has appointed Indrapura Hospital as its additional facility, which will start to operate in early August. Facilities in Semarang and Solo started operating yesterday, July 22.
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Foreign Worker Entry Ban Includes Strategic Projects
Foreign workers, including those involved in Indonesia’s national strategic projects, are restricted from entering the country due to the emergency PPKM, Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna Laoly said at a press conference on July 21.
The restrictions are included in Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation 27/2021, which came into effect on July 21. Foreigners who may enter Indonesian territory are currently limited to:
- Holders of diplomatic and official visas
- Holders of diplomatic and official residence permits
- Holders of temporary and permanent stay permits (KITAS/KITAP)
- Foreigners entering for with health and humanitarian purposes (doctors, lab workers and others)
- Conveyance crew members coming along with their transportation vehicle (air and sea).
Although the regulation took effect on July 21, the government imposed a two-day transition period for socialization to the public. It is unclear how long the ban will last.
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Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation 27/2021
Gov't Still Slow on Ambitious Target for Children’s Vaccines by December
The Ministry of Health has targeted vaccinating 26,705,490 children (aged 12-17) by December. However, progress is still slow, with July 21 data showing 540,018 children, just 2.02 percent of the target, have received their first dose, and only 37 their second.
Related links:
- https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20210722133128-20-670805/vaksinasi-anak-12-17-tahun-ditargetkan-rampung-desember-2021
- https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20210722131121-20-670789/ppkm-level-4-jakarta-transportasi-maksimal-terisi-50-persen
AmCham Cares: IBM
Global technology company IBM has announced a series of environmental sustainability goals, including new and updated targets for renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainable supply chain solutions.
Energy and climate change goals include targets to procure renewable energy for 75 percent of the electricity the company consumes worldwide by 2025, and 90 percent by 2030, and to implement at least 3,000 energy conservation projects. Under conservation and biodiversity, the company aims to achieve reductions in water withdrawals, and to source paper-based packaging from certified sustainably managed forests.
Pollution prevention includes new goals to divert 90 percent of non-hazardous waste from landfill and incineration by 2025, and to eliminate non-essential plastic packaging. In its supply chain, IBM announced a goal to require key suppliers in emissions-intensive industries to set emissions reduction goals.
Undetected Pneumonia Could Be Deadly During Self-Isolating: IDI
Undetected pneumonia is a big danger to Covid-19 patients during self-isolation, Zubairi Djoerban of the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) has warned. He said that if you tested positive and exhibit minor symptoms such as fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing, it does not mean you are asymptomatic. Those who tested positive for Covid-19 are strongly recommended to follow up their test results by getting a thorax x-ray to check for the possibility of pneumonia. Independent data group LaporCovid-19 has received reports of 712 deaths during self-isolation.
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Public Transportation Capped at 50% in Jakarta
Transportation capacity has been limited to 50 percent by Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan during PPKM, which runs until at least July 25. This includes all forms of public transportation, as stipulated in the Decree of the Governor of Jakarta 925/2021, which declares Level 4 PPKM for five days from July 21 to July 25, 2021. The decree limits operational hours for markets until 13:00 WIB, with a maximum visitor capacity of 50 percent.
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In these difficult times, our hometown English language newspaper, The Jakarta Post, is more important than ever. Given the difficulties of physical circulation and the economic slump, the Post needs to boost its online subscribers – a goal we heartily support at AmCham Indonesia. Quality English language news is vital for our businesses, our home offices, and the flow of information out of Indonesia. It is for this reason, that we are urging all of our members and readers to subscribe to JP! Information is what will help get us through this crisis. Below is information about how to sign up.
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AmCham Office and Events
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The AmCham Office is on the work-from-home status and all face-to-face meetings and events have been postponed. We are having a number of meetings online using the Zoom platform. You will be notified of virtual meetings as they are scheduled.
What is Your Company Doing on COVID-19?
Please let us know what measures your company may be taking in the form of donations and other assistance to help Indonesia during this time of confusion and concern. Contact [email protected] with your news. We would like to publicize the ways that our AmCham companies are pitching in.
Stay well
We urge you to send us press releases and other information that we can pass on to the broader AmCham community. If you have items of interest, please email material to [email protected]. Follow this link to information provided by the US Embassy
Stay safe, call a doctor if you have a high fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. Stay healthy above all else.
AmCham Update is AmCham's regular newsletter on developments related to the pandemic crisis and other issues in Indonesia. It is edited by AmCham Managing Director A Lin Neumann and written by the AmCham Staff. Paul L Goddard is the Managing Editor
