Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani (center), accompanied by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rachmat Gobel (right) and Sufmi Dasco Ahmad (left) cutting tumpeng (Indonesian cone-shaped rice dish) after the Special Plenary Meeting for the 79th Anniversary of the House of Representatives at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday (29 August 2024). The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) is committed to working together with the government to anticipate the emergence of a monkeypox outbreak. This step is also an effort to provide security from the spread of disease when hosting the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF), which will be held in Bali on 1—3 September 2024. (Photo: ANTARA)
Jakarta, 29 August 2024 – The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) is committed to working with the government to anticipate the emergence of the monkeypox outbreak. This initiative is also part of the efforts to ensure safety from the spread of the disease as Indonesia hosts two international events, the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (HLF MSP) 2024 and the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) slated to be held in Nusa Dua, Bali, on 1—3 September.
It was stated by the Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, in her statement on Friday (30 August 2024) in Jakarta.
"I heard that the government has anticipated the monkeypox outbreak. We will work together to prevent and anticipate it," said Puan.
Monkeypox is of a particular concern because the initial spread of the virus originated in Africa, and cases have continued to increase in various countries. On this occasion, Puan also revealed that until Thursday (29 August 2024), 54 country representatives have confirmed to attend the IAF 2024, including eight Speakers of the House of Representatives from various countries.
"Since this event is organized by the government and the House of Representatives, we are only part of the conference. Of the 54 countries attending, approximately eight Speakers of the House of Representatives are reported to attend," she explained.
Previously, Puan Maharani had urged the government to take immediate and effective steps to ensure maximum protection for the Indonesian public, given the increasing number of monkeypox cases.
"The number of monkeypox cases continues to increase, and the government needs to take immediate and effective steps to anticipate the spread of this disease and ensure maximum protection for the community," added Puan.
Puan also emphasized the importance of extensive education to the public regarding the monkeypox outbreak. "There must be massive education and dissemination considering the disease can be transmitted through close contact, including through infected skin rashes. Education on transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures must be done broadly and clearly," she said.
Monkeypox is a type of smallpox virus characterized by a rash followed by skin lesions. These symptoms may get worse if not treated promptly and appropriately. This disease can be transmitted through various types of close contact, making prevention and education key to managing this outbreak.
With the cooperation between the Indonesian House of Representatives and the government, it is expected that all prevention efforts on the spread of monkeypox in Indonesia, especially during the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum, will proceed smoothly and effectively, safeguarding the health and safety of all participants and the community. (Putu Indah Savitri, Didik Kusbiantoro/TR/Elvira Inda Sari/WS/PR).
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