President Jokowi: Public Safety amid Pandemic is Highest Law

President Jokowi delivers remarks during a Limited Cabinet Meeting on the report of the Committee for COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (16/11). Photo by: Press Bureau of Presidential Secretariat/Kris

Public safety in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic is the highest law. To that end, the health protocols must be enforced firmly.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo delivered the statement during a Limited Cabinet Meeting on the report of the Committee for COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (16/11).

“I want to emphasize that public safety is the highest law. During this pandemic, we have decided to impose social restrictions, including the disbandment of mass gatherings,” the President said.

The strict enforcement of the health protocols must be carried out because no one has immunity to the COVID-19 virus and everyone has possibility to infect others in crowds.

Therefore, the President has instructed Chief of the Indonesian National Police, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces, and Chairperson of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force to take firm actions to anyone who violates the restrictions.

President Jokowi added that public trust in the measures taken by the Government is important to ensure that the Government’s effort to control the pandemic can run effectively.

“I also order Minister of Home Affairs to remind regional heads, including Governors, Regents, and Mayors, to set a good example to the people and to avoid mass gatherings,” he said.

On that occasion, the President also ordered the regions that already have Regional Regulations regarding the enforcement of health protocols to implement the regulations in a firm, consistent, and non-discriminatory manner.

As of 15 November, the average active case of COVID-19 in Indonesia is 12.82%, lower than the world’s average of active case with 27.85%. The average recovery rate for COVID-19 patients in Indonesia is also very good (83.92%), much higher than the world recovery rate with 69.73%.

Thus, the President instructed to maintain the good indicators by enforcing strict health protocols on the ground.

He also reminded that doctors, nurses, medical personnel and paramedics have made a great sacrifice for weeks and even months, far-away from their families, to cure COVID-19 patients. (BPMI/UN)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana