Vice Chairperson of the House Commission IX on health and social security affairs, Kurniasih Mufidayati, Photo: Dok/Man

Deputy Chairperson of the House Commission IX on health and social security affairs, Kurniasih Mufidayati, stated the revocation of the social restriction (PPKM) must be followed by a clear roadmap for transition from pandemic to endemic. The statement was made following the government's decision to revoke the implementation of PPKM under the Instruction of the Minister of Home Affairs (Inmendagri) Number 53 of 2022.  

Mufidayati said that while WHO has the authority to revoke the pandemic status, the government should prepare a clear roadmap for the transition to endemic with a policy-based evidence approach. “With the revocation of PPKM, people are no longer restricted from holding large gatherings. However, the endemic and non-natural disaster status remains in place even though the PPKM is revoked,” said Mufidayati in a written statement received by Parlementaria, Tuesday (3/1/ 2023).

The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) Politician asked the government to explain in more details what things are allowed with the revocation of PPKM and what regulations are still in effect with the revocation of the PPKM status.

"The public needs to be given a complete understanding. On the one hand, we are grateful that people can now hold large gatherings. On the other hand, several COVID-19 preventive regulations are still in effect because the pandemic status has yet to be revoked. The COVID-19 status as a non-natural disaster has not been repealed," she asserted.

Among these policies is the mandatory booster vaccination regulation for long-distance travelers, which still applies even though the PPKM status has been revoked. The government also still encourages wearing masks in public places, using the PeduliLindungi app, resuming the work of the COVID-19 Task Force, and other related efforts.

"It means that we need a comprehensive explanation about what things are allowed after the PPKM revocation and what are still prohibited with the ongoing status of pandemic. Please remember that PPKM is revoked; it does not mean that the pandemic is also over," Mufidayati concluded. (ann/aha)