Gov’t Sets Plans Ahead of Ramadhan and Eid-al-Fitr Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
President Jokowi delivers his remarks at a Limited Cabinet Meeting on the Preparation Ahead of Eid-al-Fitr 1441 H/2020 M through video conference, Tuesday (2/4). (Photo by: PR / Ibrahim)
The preparations for this year’s Ramadan (the fasting month) and Eid-al-Fitr is different due to the COVID-19 outbreak, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.
According to the President, there are several points that need the Government’s attention, such as:
First, to maintain the availability of staple food on the ground.
“I have inspected the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) and a number of regions regarding the harvests. I can tell that the prices of rice, meat, eggs, sugar, flour, and others are still under control,” President Jokowi said in his remarks during a Limited Cabinet Meeting on the Preparation Ahead of Eid-al-Fitr 1441 H/2020 M through video conference, Tuesday (2/4).
President Jokowi went on to say that Minister of Agriculture has reported that in the upcoming weeks, sugar price may drop to the normal price at Rp12,500 per kilogram.
“Minister of Trade also said that imported garlic have entered the country so the price is expected to get back to normal around Rp20,000 to Rp30,000 per kilogram,” the President added.
On that occasion, the President ordered his ministers to ensure that the distribution of logistics will run smoothly and basic needs are available in the markets.
“I hope Minister of Home Affairs can remind regions that block their roads so that the logistics distribution will not be disrupted,” President Jokowi said.
The President further said that he received a report from two regions yesterday that rice distribution was disrupted due to road closure. For that reason, Minister of Home Affairs is expected to reprimand regional heads who blockade their roads so that logistics distribution is not disrupted.
Second, issues related to social protection and social security package for our people at the grassroots level.
“Earlier, I have ordered immediate implementation of the program and the distribution on the ground,” the President said.
Those programs, the President continued, should cover the Family Hope Program, the Staple Food Cards, and the exemption of electricity charges for 24 million customers using 450 KVa and a 50-percent electricity discount for 7 million customers using 900 KVa.
“If the program can be implemented immediately, it will bring benefits to the people,” the President said.
Third, the involvement of religious leaders and mass organizations leaders to educate the public in maintaining physical distance.
“Please educate them the importance of hand washing and limiting their mobility, tell them also to wear masks with discipline, and the implementation of large-scale social restrictions,” President Jokowi said.
“Those instructions need to continue to be implemented to uphold strict health protocol, be it inside or outside the house in a disciplined manner,” the President said at the end of his remarks. (TGH / EN)
Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana
