Apriza Pinandita, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo conveyed his gratitude and appreciation to those who have complied with calls for physical distancing and reminded the public to work together to fight the COVID-19 outbreak.
"I would like to say 'thank you' to everyone who is staying at home because by staying home you are doing your part in cutting the chain of the COVID-19 transmission, which means we have saved many families from the virus," he said in a special address released by the Presidential Secretariat YouTube channel on Friday.
He called on all walks of society to work together to curb the outbreak, pointing out that with the spirit of gotong royong (mutual cooperation), Indonesia can overcome the problems caused by the spread of COVID-19.
Indonesia is not alone in this fight, Jokowi said as 209 countries and territories across the world had been affected by the disease.
"Stay patient and optimistic. When we remain disciplined in staying home and [maintaining] physical distancing, we can soon return to our normal routines," the President said.
In his address, he also expressed his appreciation to the medical workers who have been working tirelessly at the frontline of the crisis. He also thanked the Indonesian Military (TNI), the police and volunteers for stepping up their efforts in protecting the people.
"On behalf of the nation, I convey my highest appreciation to what you have been doing. It is an extraordinary sacrifice to us all," Jokowi said in his speech.
Indonesia has reported 3,512 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Friday with 306 fatalities and 282 recoveries.