The central government through the Maritime and Investment Coordinator Minister, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has criticized the way the Bali governor is handling Covid-19 transmissions on the island.
During his visit to inspect the vaccination program in Bali, Luhut was surprised after knowing that Covid-19 transmissions keep surging despite the vaccination program that has been initiated for Bali residents. “I find it pretty weird that as the percentage of the Covid-19 vaccine distribution in Indonesia increases, Bali still records numerous Covid-19 cases each day. At this point, I know that something is wrong in the way that authorities are handling the pandemic here.” Luhut said on Thursday (12/8).
As a response to this situation, Luhut urged Balu Governor, I Wayan Koster to optimize their efforts in preventing Covid-19 transmissions, so the economic activity on the island can recover as soon as possible. “I’ve already instructed the Bali Governor to get a better handle on this situation, and I want to see results in the next 7 days. If other provinces were able to do it, I believe that Bali can do it as well.” Luhut added. He explained that this challenge was given to the governor to regain the trust from international visitors, and reduce their hesitance in visiting the island when the border reopens.
He asked the governor to be more focused on three main factors in handling Covid-19 transmissions in Bali such as :
- Optimizing the centralized quarantine program for asymptomatic Covid-19 patients at government facilities to prevent creating family clusters.
- Optimizing the tracing and testing program.
- Reducing religious activities that could potentially create new clusters of Covid-19 transmissions due to so many people gathering together.
Luhut believes that Covid-19 transmission would significantly reduce if all these factors are properly implemented on the island.
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Lingus
Monday 16th of August 2021
How about making it easier for westerners to also get vaccinated,nobody here has a clue.
Wayan Bo
Sunday 15th of August 2021
As in the rest of the world too.
Randy
Saturday 14th of August 2021
"Luhut believes that Covid-19 transmission would significantly reduce if all these factors are properly implemented on the island". Well there is a whole lot of truth in that statement.
It takes a considerable amount of effort from the people including resident expats to get Bali back on track. Should there be any other choice? Probably not but the long term approach is to live side by side with Covid-19, follow the safety measures that is given and protect one another from the disease.
Martina
Saturday 14th of August 2021
Is the central government trying to destroy the Balinese culture? This is why tourists come to Bali. The Balinese spiritual energy extends throughout th island. You cannot get this unique feeling anywhere else in th world. Through my balinese friends, in different regions during this 'pandemic',I've learned there has been far more virus outbreak since they were forced into vaccination. A very toxic affair! All of one of my friend's family went into hotel isolation and many others followed after this gross intoxication of their beautiful bodies and minds. Before th jabbing started none of my Balinese friends knew or heard of anyone with th virus. Now, most of th doctors and nurses that were jabbed three times before this recent outbreak in bali, including all th pregnant nurses, have dropped dead. Not to mention all th 'commoners'. sadly th expectant mothers in th village are deemed ready for their next jab 😱. Hasn't anyone in Indonesia heard about other tourist islands such as Maldives and Seychelless suffering greater virus losses than India (in real terms) since they vaccinated all their inhabitants early this year. It isn't working. Better to watch and wait, using some minor lockdown methods, to save these beautiful indigenous Hindu people and their exquisite and unique culture.
Randy
Monday 16th of August 2021
@Martina, "Through my balinese friends, in different regions during this ‘pandemic’,I’ve learned there has been far more virus outbreak since they were forced into vaccination."
THIS happens when people do NOT follow the 5 steps health protocols. Breakthrough infections with vaccinated people can happen but they would not end up hospitalized or death. Just because you have been vaccinated you are not out of the woods yet.
Maldives have seen rising cases because of the easing of restrictions in April 2021. Family gatherings and congregation also took place in mosques and during the holy month of Ramadan.
Many health workers have been jabbed a third dose with moderna and attend patients with covid without a hitch. But recent dead pregnant health workers not in any recent news. However Bali authorities have recently postponed the third distribution of vaccines for pregnant women.
Peter
Saturday 14th of August 2021
it's nice that someone has finally noticed!