President Jokowi Issues Directives on Handling of Covid-19 Pandemic

President Jokowi gives a press statement at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, Monday (16/3).

In response to the current situation and the handling of covid-19 pandemic in the country, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has issued directives aimed at slowing down the spread of the virus.

The directives are also expected to prevent worsened economic impacts that can harm people’s lives.

“All policies issued by both the Central Government and regional governments will and must be thoroughly examined,” the President said in a press statement at the Bogor Presidential Palace, on Monday (16/3).

The President’s directives regarding the handling of Covid-19 pandemic are as follows:

First, the lockdown policy both at the national and regional levels is carried out by the Central Government.

“The policy [to impose lockdown] cannot be made by regional governments alone. To date, there has been no plan to issue directives to impose lockdown,” the President said.

According to the President, the most important thing to do is to reduce mobility of the people from one place to another, to practice social distancing, and to reduce the crowds of people who may bring greater risks on the spread of covid-19 pandemic.

“Policies on studying from home, working from home, and observing prayers at home aim to slow down the spread of covid-19 pandemic, while maintaining services to the public, be it matters related to basic needs, health services, or other public services,” the President said.

Regarding public transportation, the President continued, both the Central Government and regional governments must provide public transportation services such as trains, city buses, MRT, LRT, or TansJakarta busway, by paying closer attention to the hygiene and cleanliness.

Second, all major policies at the regional level related to covid-19 must be discussed first with the Central Government.

“To facilitate communication, I call on regional governments to consult with relevant ministries and the Covid-19 Task Force,” he said.

Third, to avoid public confusion, the President stressed that the Covid-19 Task Force serves as the only reference for information to the public.

Fourth, the President also called on the public to regularly wash hands, keep studying, working, and observing prayers at home.

“Public solidarity becomes our important social resources to fight against the escalating covid-19 pandemic,” the President said. (UN/EN)

Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas