Javanese Still Dominates, Here's the Spread of the Omicron COVID-19 Variant in Indonesia

The Indonesian Health Research and Development Agency (Balitbangkes) of the Ministry of Health has detected 10,318 sequences of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of the Covid-19 coronavirus by April 18, 2022. This mutation, classified as a variant of concern (VOC), has spread to almost all provinces in Indonesia, except West Papua and Maluku.

Java still dominates the number of Omicron variant Covid-19 sequences in Indonesia, reaching 8,963 sequences. This accounts for 86.86% of the total Omicron variant Covid-19 sequences in the country.

DKI Jakarta recorded the highest number of Omicron variant Covid-19 sequences in Java, with 5,836 sequences. This is followed by West Java and Banten, which have 1,500 and 619 Omicron variant Covid-19 sequences, respectively.

Sumatra recorded the second-highest number of Omicron sequences with 436 sequences. Lampung has the highest number of sequences in this region, reaching 92 sequences.

Next, the Sulawesi region has detected 304 Omicron variant Covid-19 sequences. This is followed by Bali and Nusa Tenggara, and Kalimantan, which have 253 and 223 Omicron variant Covid-19 sequences, respectively.

Meanwhile, Maluku and Papua have the fewest Omicron variant Covid-19 sequences in Indonesia, totaling only 139 sequences.

The Delta (B.1.617.2) variant ranks second in the spread of coronavirus variants in Indonesia with a total of 8,672 sequences. In third place is the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant from the UK, detected in Indonesia at 83 sequences. Then, the Beta (B.1.351) variant from South Africa, found in the country at 22 sequences.

The widespread transmission of the Omicron variant and other coronavirus variants needs to be prevented. Therefore, the public is urged to always comply with and diligently implement the 3M health protocols: wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands with soap. In addition, the public is also urged to reduce mobility and avoid crowds.