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'We don't want people to panic': Jokowi says on lack of transparency about COVID cases
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has admitted that he was deliberately holding back some information on COVID-19 cases to prevent the public from panicking.
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President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo (right) answers reporter's questions at the State Palace in Central Jakarta on Feb. 12, 2020. (Presidential Press Bureau/Muchlis Jr)
P
resident Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has admitted that he was deliberately holding back some information on COVID-19 cases to prevent the public from panicking.
“Indeed, we did not deliver certain information to the public because we did not want to stir panic. We have worked hard to overcome this, since the novel coronavirus outbreak can happen regardless of the country border,” Jokowi said on Friday.
He assured the public that his administration had tried its best to overcome the pandemic through several measures. He also told the public to remain calm and vigilant.
Read also: COVID-19: Mr. President, you need professional help
“We will inform the public eventually. However, we have to think of the possibility that the public will react to it by panicking or worrying, as well as the effect on the recovered patients. Every country has different policies,” Jokowi said, adding that he would inform the public whenever a new cluster appeared.
The government’s spokesperson for COVID-19 Achmad Yurianto announced that the number of confirmed cases had risen to 69 on Friday. As of now, four patients have died due to the disease, while five patients have recovered. (dpk)
