TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coronavirus Mitigation Task Force chief Doni Monardo has announced nine points regional governments must heed in formulating policies pertaining to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“To follow-up on the statement of the Indonesian President on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at the Bogor Palace and today, Monday, March 16, 2020 on issues to consider in handling COVID-19, we would like to make several announcements,” Doni said in a press conference aired live via the official YouTube account of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) on Monday, March 16, 2020.

1. All regional policies relative to COVID-19 must first be consulted with the central government through the COVID-19 Mitigation Acceleration Task Force

2. Protocols made relative to mitigation efforts must encompass four aspects, viz. prevention, responses, recovery and expert teams

3. Consulting with the chairman of the COVID-19 Mitigation Acceleration Task Force on planning policies

4. In the mitigation of COVID-19 regional governments can make policies through social distancing by adhering to protocols relative to teaching-learning activities at educational institutions, religious activities, gathering activities at public spaces, limitation of crowds, the activities of civil servants (ASN), the activities of front-liners, and the fulfillment of the people’s basic needs. The policies must be carried out by taking into account local situations and conditions

5. The enforcement of health facilities by involving state regional hospitals, community health clinics, and private hospitals and the enforcement of laboratory systems in respective regions

6. In handling COVID-19, regional governments must collaborate with the government, academicians/experts, the business world, communities and the media and involve personnel up to the stage of villages and subdistricts—including its apparatuses: the Family Welfare Movement (PKK), youth organizations (Karang Taruna), and community and neighborhood units (RT/RW)

7. Prior to making any decision regional governments are expected to immediately form a regional task force

8. Policies and actions to mitigate COVID-19 must abide by the principles of accountability and transparency

9. Regional governments must pay attention to the safety of the people, inter-regional interests, and national interests

FRISKI RIANA