MPR/DPR building in Jakarta. (Image via Kompas)

As 59 nations repulse Indonesia, DPR calls for improvement in COVID-19 management

Indonesia's People's Representative Council (DPR) stated that the restriction of travel to and from Indonesia issued by 59 nations, including the United States (U.S) and Australia, means that Indonesia needs to reflect on its failure to contain the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemics. If the condition persists, Indonesia will lose its face and its economy crumble. On Tuesday, Indonesia recorded 200,035 cases with 142.958 recoveries and 8,230 deaths.

In order to regain their trust for the revocation of the travel restriction, Indonesia is required to give more effort to contain pandemics. Moreover, the Indonesian government, through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, needs to maintain bilateral relations with these 59 countries as Indonesia also makes strategic, bilateral ties with these nations, from education to politics. Therefore, the questions lie on Retno Marsudi, as the Foreign Affairs Minister. DPR does not want Indonesia to burn bridges due to the restriction.

Moreover, the restriction will tarnish Indonesia's reputation on the international level, as the nation is considered reckless in containing COVID-19 and adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists Indonesia as one of the countries with the highest COVID-19 risk for travel. Like a domino, it will eventually affect Indonesia's economy and foreign investment.

Source: https://bit.ly/3k0fykS