Omicron Cases Rise, Sequencing Shows 16.90% Prevalence in Indonesia

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has detected 14,829 sequences of COVID-19 variants of concern (VOC) in Indonesia as of January 30, 2022. A total of 2,507 sequences of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) have been detected.

This number represents 16.90% of the new coronavirus variant sequences in Indonesia. The majority of Omicron variants (2,054 sequences) originated from Jakarta, followed by West Java with 143 sequences.

The Omicron variant has been spreading rapidly in Indonesia since mid-December 2021. Although the symptoms are milder than other variants, its transmission rate is significantly faster.

Meanwhile, the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) still ranks highest with a total of 7,894 sequences. In third place is the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7) from the UK, with 81 sequences detected in Indonesia. Then there is the Beta variant (B.1.351) from South Africa, with 22 sequences found domestically.

The emergence of various new coronavirus variants in Indonesia, especially the more contagious Omicron variant, should increase public awareness. Therefore, the public is urged to diligently adhere to the 3M health protocols: wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands with soap.