Indonesia Highlights: Covid-19: Indonesia to Identify More People in Contact Tracing Program | Covid-19: Government Calls for Low-Key CNY Celebrations in Indonesia | Foreign Capital Flows Could Reach

KOMPAS.com – The Indonesian government will identify more people with whom the Covid-19 patients have been in close contact in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus in the country.

The government will target up to 30 people in this contact tracing program. Currently, only five to 10 people are identified once an individual has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, in ushering the Lunar New Year Coordinating for Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy called for a low-key celebration to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during the festive period.

Below are the editors’ picks stories published on Kompas.com:

Covid-19: Indonesia to Identify More People in Contact Tracing Program

The Indonesian government will trace 20 to 30 people who have been in close contact with an individual who contracted the Covid-19, said an official on Wednesday, February 10.

Health Ministry's infectious diseases prevention director, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, said currently the government is only conducting contact tracing of five to 10 people.

“Now we only identify five to 10 people with whom the Covid-19 patients have been in close contact. Going forward, it is hoped that at least 20 to 30 contacts can be traced in each confirmed case,” Nadia told a virtual press conference.

Nadia explained more massive contact tracing will focus on 98 regencies and cities that implement micro-scale public activity restrictions (PPKM). The plan is referring to the Home Affairs Minister Instruction No.3/2021.

The government hoped that the acceleration of contact tracing will identify more Covid-19 confirmed cases. Especially, the confirmed cases with no symptoms.

Source:https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/02/10/11460481/kemenkes-20-30-kontak-dekat-pasien-covid-19-akan-dilacak

Covid-19: Government Calls for Low-Key CNY Celebrations in Indonesia

Renna Yavin A file photo of lion dance performance in Senayan City Mall in Jakarta.

Coordinating for Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy called for a low-key Lunar New Year celebration to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during the festive period.

"The government concerned about the Chinese New Year activities. Don't let the sacred festival brings a negative impact on the country's efforts to fight against the Covid-19," Muhadjir told the committee of the National Chinese New Year celebration during an audience on Tuesday, February 9.

He said an outdoor celebration could pull a big crowd that could become the source of Covid-19 clusters.

"The Chinese New Year celebration is not only being observed by the Confucian devotees or Chinese community. But it is also a cultural event that attracts public enthusiasm in Indonesia," the senior minister said.

He also hoped that this year's celebration will be held in a low-profile manner by utilizing the technology to prevent crowd-pulling activities.

The people are advised to avoid firecracker display, lion dance performances, and presenting or receiving a red packet directly.

Source:https://go.kompas.com/read/2021/02/10/150714274/covid-19-government-calls-for-low-key-cny-celebrations-in-indonesia

Foreign Capital Flows Could Reach $19.6 Billion This Year, Says Bank Indonesia

DOKUMENTASI BANK INDONESIA Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo.

Indonesia’s central bank said on Tuesday that throughout the year foreign capital inflows could reach $19.6 billion, or higher than the initial estimation at $19.1 billion.

“We expect foreign capital inflows of $19.6 billion after last year’s capital flow reached $9.45 billion,” Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Perry Warjiyo told House of Representatives Commission XI overseeing financial affairs via teleconference on February 9.

“The capital flow of $19.6 billion could make Indonesia as the second-largest destination in attracting foreign capital after China,” Perry added.

He said that the capital flow of $19.6 billion would come from a portfolio investment, which excludes foreign investment. He said that the new Job Creation Law could boost foreign investment in the country.

The conditions on the domestic and international financial market could also support the foreign capital inflows. While other aspects include global liquidity, low-interest rate trends in developed countries, and a low-risk premium.

Source: https://go.kompas.com/read/2021/02/10/165547274/foreign-capital-flows-could-reach-196-billion-this-year-says-bank-indonesia