Java Contributes 89.5% of Omicron COVID-19 Variant Sequences in Indonesia

The Indonesian Health Research and Development Agency (Balitbangkes) of the Ministry of Health detected 8,097 sequences of the latest Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of the Covid-19 coronavirus as of March 14, 2022. This variant of concern (VOC) has spread across 32 Indonesian provinces.

The island of Java recorded the highest number of Omicron variant sequences, reaching 7,250, accounting for 89.5% of the total Omicron variant sequences in Indonesia.

Jakarta had the highest number of Omicron variant sequences in Java, with 5,224 sequences. This was followed by West Java and Banten, with 903 and 591 Omicron variant sequences, respectively.

After Java, Sumatra recorded the second-highest number of Omicron sequences with 313. Bangka Belitung Islands had the highest number in this region with 43 sequences.

Next, Bali and Nusa Tenggara detected 162 Omicron variant sequences. This was followed by Sulawesi and Kalimantan with 145 and 131 Omicron variant sequences, respectively.

Meanwhile, Maluku and Papua had the lowest number of Omicron variant sequences in Indonesia, with a total of 96 sequences.

The Delta (B.1.617.2) variant still ranks highest in the spread of coronavirus variants in Indonesia with a total of 8,494 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 domestically at 22 sequences.

The Omicron variant has been spreading in Indonesia since mid-December 2021. Although the symptoms of this new coronavirus variant are not as severe as other variants, its transmission rate is many times faster.

Therefore, the public is urged to diligently adhere to 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.