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East Java pledges not to support activities that might violate health protocols
President Jokowi has urged Home Minister Tito Karnavian to warn regional leaders who failed to enforce health protocols.
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Medical personnel take blood samples to be tested for COVID-19 in Surabaya, East Java, on Sept. 12. (AFP/Juni Kriswanto)
T
he East Java administration has pledged not to support activities that might violate the 3M health protocols: menggunakan masker (mask-wearing), mencuci tangan (hand-washing) and menjaga jarak (social distancing).
Kompas.id reported that the province would only support events in which organizers would be able to comply with health protocols and understood the “new normal” adaptation.
East Java Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak said on Tuesday that the administration would not ban all activities as not all events would lead to the violation of health protocols.
He said the province had set an example of hosting activities in the new normal context, which combined online and offline platforms.
For offline activities, the number of attendees was limited and health protocols were enforced by asking all attendees to wear face masks and face shields, as well as practice physical distancing.
The Jakarta administration came under fire for allowing Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab to host a public event that attracted large crowds over the weekend.
In the wake of the serious breaches of COVID-19 restrictions resulting from the mass gatherings, the central government has begun taking tough measures to limit the movement of the firebrand cleric and punish officials deemed responsible for any missteps.
Read also: 'Just catching up': Anies visits Rizieq Shihab despite quarantine rule
Following the dismissal of the police chiefs of Jakarta and West Java, which was ordered by Coordinating Political, Legal and Human Rights Minister Mahfud MD, the Jakarta Police on Tuesday summoned Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, seeking clarification regarding a public gathering held at the FPI headquarters in Petamburan, Central Jakarta.
President Jokowi also urged Home Minister Tito Karnavian to warn regional leaders who failed to enforce health protocols.
“I also asked the home minister to remind or, if necessary, reprimand regional leaders, including governors, regents or mayors, to set a good example [to the community] and not participate in large gatherings,” said Jokowi in a closed meeting on Monday as quoted by tempo.co.
In response to the issue, the East Java administration said it would continuously coordinate with regents, mayors and local leaders to anticipate such activities.
However, Emil said the provincial administration did not issue permits for activities held in a city or regency, adding that the permits usually came from the National Police following a recommendation from a regent or mayor.
“The permit does not come from us, but we usually receive invitations [to attend the events],” he explained. (jes)
