TNI, Police Step in to Tackle Spike in COVID-19 Cases in Bangkalan, Kudus

Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) Hadi Tjahjanto undergoes health screening before receiving COVID-19 jab. (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat/ Laily Rachev)

The Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) are taking part in taking measures to tackle spikes in COVID-19 cases in Bangkalan regency in East Java province and the city of Kudus in Central Java province.

“As we are aware that some regions are reporting a significant increase in positive cases, for example Kudus Regency and Bangkalan Regency. The TNI, Polri, and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) have been taking measures to control the cases,” TNI Commander Hadi Tjahjanto said after joining a limited meeting on COVID-19 mitigation, Monday (7/6).

Hadi also said that the TNI and Polri, in cooperation with heads of health units in the regencies, will continue to ensure the implementation of micro-scale public activity restrictions (PPKM Mikro) policy at the lowest administration level.

During the restrictions, he added, the TNI and the National Police will trace close contacts of patients and double the tracers that will eventually increase recovery rate and decrease mortality rate in the regions.

In addition, the TNI and Polri, he added, will also support and monitor the implementation of PCR testing, as well as to expand PCR testing.

The two institutions will also help public healthcare facilities in providing COVID-19 treatment by deploying more medical staff, Hadi added.

“TNI and the National Police will deploy medical staff at hospitals to reduce bed occupancy ratio. If the hospitals in regencies face shortage of medical staff, we will deploy more staff,” he said, adding that his party will also help the COVID-19 handling in isolation facilities.

Hadi also called on the public to always maintain discipline in observing health protocols, namely wearing a face mask, washing hands, and maintaining safe distance.

“Though I am fully vaccinated, I still wear a face mask, maintain safe distance, and wash hands,” he said, adding that the TNI and the National Police will ensure the enforcement of the health protocols.

On that occasion, Hadi also conveyed appreciation to regional leaders for its strategy dubbed “Jogo Tonggo” (neighbors looking after each other).

“The easiest way to implement Jogo Tonggo is by wearing a face mask. The mask will protect me, you, and our neighbors. If regional governments can successfully implement policies from the Central Government, we are optimistic that we can reduce positive cases in two regencies and handle the pandemic,” he concluded. (FID/UN) (RAS/EP)