Jakarta contributes 67.9% of national Omicron variant Covid-19 sequences.

The Indonesian Health Research and Development Agency (Balitbangkes) of the Ministry of Health detected 7,562 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant Covid-19 sequences by March 7, 2022. This variant of concern (VoC) has spread across 28 provinces in Indonesia.

Jakarta had the highest number of Omicron variant sequences, with 5,136, accounting for 67.9% of the national total.

West Java followed with 839 sequences, then Banten with 575.

Central Java and East Java detected 199 and 113 Omicron sequences, respectively.

Bali, Papua, and South Sulawesi detected 103, 84, and 51 Omicron sequences, respectively. Central Kalimantan and West Nusa Tenggara detected 45 and 44 sequences, respectively.

The Omicron variant outbreak in Indonesia began in mid-December 2021. Although its symptoms are less severe than other variants, its transmission rate is significantly faster.

Besides Omicron, other coronavirus variants detected in Indonesia include Alpha (B.1.17), Beta (B.1.351), and Delta (B.1.617.2), which are also categorized as VoCs.

The emergence of new coronavirus variants in Indonesia 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.