National Awakening Day, Momentum to Rise Up Amidst Pandemic: Communication Minister
Minister of Communication and Informatics leads a ceremony of the 112th National Awakening Day in Jakarta, Wednesday (20/5). (Photo: Ministry of Communication and Informatics)
Minister of Communication and Informatics Johnny G. Plate said that the 112th National Awakening Day this year, which happens amidst COVID-19 pandemic, will be a momentum for all Indonesians to keep up spirit to live under a ‘new normal’ situation.
For that reason, Johnny expressed hope that the national day is not celebrated as mere ritual.
“Each commemoration of a national day should contain affective and educational values that can be used as examples for future generations,” Johnny said during the 112th National Awakening Day Ceremony in Jakarta, Wednesday (20/5).
The commemoration of the National Awakening Day every year, according to him, is the starting point to build awareness to move together to overcome the nation’s problems.
“The spirit of the National Awakening Day needs to be instilled in the identity of every Indonesian citizen in order to maintain the unity and integrity of the Indonesian people and the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia from various forms of threats as well as to build a better nation in the future,” said the Minister.
Johnny also invited all Indonesians to move forward in facing the ongoing pandemic. The target is not to be exposed by the virus as well as not to be collapsed in terms of socioeconomy.
“First, ensure that health protocols are implemented by keeping a distance, washing hands with soap and using masks. Next, maintain the interests of the people particularly in economic and employment aspects. Then, collaborate in an effort to break the chain of virus transmission,” Johnny explained.
He went on to say that the Government has taken various policies to prevent virus transmission while maintaining the nation’s economic condition.
“President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has emphasized that the two aspects—economy and health—are taken with the same priority based on Indonesian empirical data and conditions,” explained the Minister.
In general, Johnny said that three core government policies are very clear and firm in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“First, putting public health first. This is carried out by controlling the spread of the coronavirus and treating patients who are exposed,” he explained.
The second policy, according to him, is that the Government prepares a social safety net for the low-income families to help them meet their basic needs and maintain purchasing power.
“Third, maintaining the business sector, especially MSMEs, to continue operating and maintain employment,” he said. (PR of Ministry of Communication and Informatics / EN)
Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: Lulu Wuliarti
