Central Gov’t Monitors COVID-19 Handling in 9 Provinces
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo ordered several ministers to collaborate and closely monitor the latest COVID-19 mitigation measures in nine provinces.
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan, Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Doni Monardo, and Minister of Health Terawan Agus Putranto are among the ministers who are assigned to monitor the development of COVID-19 in the provinces of Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, North Sumatra, South Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, Papua, and Bali.
During a press conference, at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (15/9), the spokesperson explained that the Government has set several targets, such as: lower daily new COVID-19 cases, increase in recovery rate, and decline in mortality rate. .
The President has instructed that the target should be met in two weeks. For that reason, several measures need to be taken:
First, harmonize data between that of the Central and Regional Governments that are needed to make immediate decisions.
Second, conduct an operation to ensure that the public are disciplined in implementing the health protocols and impose sanctions to those violating the protocols.
Third, improve the quality of treatment of COVID-19 patients in order to decrease mortality rate and increase recovery rate.
Fourth, carry out specific handling of COVID-19 clusters particularly in the nine provinces. “More specific measures will be taken immediately in certain regions, including in regencies/cities which have specific clusters,” Wiku said.
Fifth, create synergy between Jakarta’s satellite cities and regencies with high mobility such as Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi.
Regional governments are ordered to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by reducing people’s mobility in order to prevent virus transmission. They are also instructed to coordinate with the Central Government.
“And, all assistance needed by the regional governments will be provided by the Central Government including that in form of policy and regulation,” he said. (Communication Team of the COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Committee/EN)
Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana