Gov’t Reaffirms Commitment to Tackle COVID-19 in E. Java

Chairperson of the National COVID-19 Task Force Doni Monardo answers questions from journalists after attending Limited Cabinet Meeting on Wednesday (27/5). Photo by: PR/Rahmat

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to swiftly tackle the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in East Java province.

“We will optimize the measures to immediately trace COVID-19 cases in the communities,” Chairperson of the National COVID-19 Task Force Doni Monardo said Wednesday (27/5).

According to Doni, East Java province is one of the regions affected by clusters (of COVID-19 cases) including Gowa cluster, Tablighi Jamaat cluster, Temboro Islamic boarding school cluster and Sampoerna factory cluster.

The Central Government, Doni added, has also sent three mobile Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test cars with a capacity of 800 specimen tests per car.

“There are also 3 stationeries that have arrived at Soetomo hospital and the BBLK (Main Health Laboratory) in Surabaya. Another one is expected to arrive in Tulungagung Monday (25/5) or Tuesday (26/5),” Doni said, adding that there are also three air-conditioned field hospitals equipped with supporting facilities.

“The Government through the (COVID-19) Task Force has distributed Rp10 billion operational funds to field hospitals. The measures aims to assist the provincial government of East Java,” Doni said.

Doni went on to say that the Commander the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) had reported to the President that the TNI will use persuasive approaches in supporting the implementation of the new normal.

“The police will do the same,” Doni said.

Doni also expressed hope that communities can maintain higher self-discipline, adding that the Task Force has reiterated that the pattern in handling the COVID-19 is community-based pentahelix collaboration, in which the people and communities play an important role.

“Let’s show that our nation is a big nation, a nation that respects the rules. I hope all communities stand united in overcoming COVID-19,” Doni added.

Doni further said that the relevant ministries are currently drafting protocols (for the new normal).

“Protocol for schools will be drafted by Minister of Education and Culture, protocol for mode of transportation will be drafted by Minister of Transportation and protocol for place of worship will be drafted by Minister of Religious Affairs,” he said.

On the occasion, the Task Force Chairperson also invited journalists to appeal the public to follow the protocol to remain vigilant, to wear face masks, to keep a safe distance, to wash hands, and to avoid touching sensitive parts of the face to prevent the spread of the disease.

“If we continue to spread the message (to comply with the protocol), our nation will be able to more swiftly overcome the COVID-19,” Doni said. (HIM/EN)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by: Muhammad Ersan Pamungkas