President Widodo says pandemic changed Indonesia’s culture

By NINIEK KARMINI
Associated Press

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia’s president has pledged to improve COVID-19 testing and treatment in a speech marking the country’s independence. President Joko Widodo says the pandemic has changed Indonesian culture in ways that will be a foundation for advancement. He says avoiding people was once taboo and working and learning from home have become new habits. Widodo says “the spirit to make changes and the spirit to innovate have become the foundation to build an advanced Indonesia.” July was Indonesia’s deadliest month of the pandemic, with more than 30,100 dead as sick people overwhelmed hospitals or died awaiting care. Widodo says his administration will improve testing, tracing, treatment and vaccinations.