The government never seems to learn anything about how to handle the Covid-19 pandemic, now in its third year. There is a lack of consistencies to create policies based on data.

Head of both National Disaster Mitigation Agency and National Covid-19 Response Task Force Lt. Gen. Suharyanto explains the current disaster trend in Indonesia and preemptive efforts his agency has initiated in case Covid-19 cases peak in February as predicted.

The government claims to be more ready to face threats from the third wave of Covid-19. Public Activity Restrictions (PPKM) regulations are being evaluated.

Covid-19 Omicron variant spreads during in-class learning. Students are believed to have infected the virus to friends and family.

The spread of Omicron—the new variant of the virus that causes Covid-19—is starting to cause concern. The government has yet to produce a comprehensive policy to forestall it.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin believes that the government is better prepared in facing the spread of the Omicron variant. Minister Budi explains the government’s strategy to keep the new variant at bay to Tempo.

Indonesia’s first Omicron case was found inside the Athletes Dormitory Covid-19 Emergency Hospital complex. Protocols at the start of the pandemic are again implemented.

Omicron continues to spread in Indonesia. The government is working desperately to obtain the equipment and reagents needed to detect the new Covid-19 variant.

PCR tests that fail to detect the S gene are the first clues pointing to the Omicron variant. Whole genome sequencing is being prioritized.

The government is about to organize a paid booster vaccine program. This is a public commodity that should be provided free of charge.

Government officials and celebrities have evaded mandatory quarantine upon returning from trips overseas. They exploited corrupt airport employees and armed themselves with recommendation letters from the COVID-19 Task Force.

The quarantine regulation has been abused by officials for personal gains as state officials, celebrities and people with money or power try at all cost to avoid the quarantine obligation. A double standard at its finest.

The government finally revoked the Level 3 public activity restrictions for the end of the year. After two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, public policy and communication are still in disarray.

The government plans to provide third-dose booster shots of Covid-19 vaccines in January 2022. Epidemiologists feel it is not necessary yet.

The government is anticipating a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases due to the spread of the Omicron variant in 57 countries. Flights are canceled and quarantine regulations tightened. Rules on public activities during the holidays have changed.