TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - SOE Minister Erick Thohir has revealed reasons behind the government’s decision to form the national economic recovery committee in dealing with the COVID-19 impacts. According to him, the government seeks to ensure the handling of the economic and the health sectors run simultaneously in this pandemic.

“We don’t want people to misinterpret the new normal term by carrying out activities freely without complying with the protocols [against COVID-19],” said Erick in a press conference at the SOE Ministry Office, Central Jakarta, Monday, July 20, 2020.

If people break the protocols, the country will face the threat of a second wave of COVID-19 pandemic that will hit the economy further. Business players in certain sectors, such as film, music, and cafe will have to deal with worse situations as they cannot resume economic activities.

Erick ensured he would immediately design programs along with his team, which consists of the economic task force helmed by deputy minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin and the COVID-19 mitigation task force chaired by Doni Monardo.

He added the committee would submit the programs this week to the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and present the discussion results to President Jokowi next week.

Erick Thohir hoped the program designed by his committee would boost people's purchasing power. “Food supplies and others must be available. We synergize and map it so that the decision can fully overcome the issue,” he said.

Read: Erick Thohir Leads COVID-19 Economic Recovery Team

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA