TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi asked the public and mass media to not constantly criticize policies passed by the government during the coronavirus disease or COVID-19 pandemic. He said the government was striving to take strategic steps to contain the virus spread.

“The government has been struggling [to deal with the pandemic]. Don’t overly criticize [the government]. Pak President works throughout the day and night, I know it very well that he is fighting for his people. I say this not because I’m a minister, you see” said Budi during an online press conference on Monday, April 27.

Budi claimed he routinely joined cabinet meetings since he was recovered from COVID-19, and so he knew that the government has been serious in curbing the virus spread, such as by issuing a ban on annual mass exodus or mudik after various considerations.

He also opined there were no improper regulations launched by his ministry so far. “Not a single ministerial regulation is missed. All orders from Pak Jokowi are all done. We follow it well,” said the minister.

He further expressed optimism that the government will soon be able to handle the pandemic. Even though it was predicted to peak in May, Budi believed that the number of COVID-19 cases will drop afterward. "We must admit that it will peak in May but the number of virus cases will decline in June and July so that we will return to normal in August,” he remarked.

Budi Karya has returned to the office after he was treated for the coronavirus infection and was even unconscious for 14 days. After going through the recovery process and two Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR COVID-19 tests, he was finally declared to be healthy.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA