TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi told regional heads to do more than just urge the public to comply with Covid-19 protocols. In wearing masks, for example, the president said that local governments must hand out masks for free, not just tell the people to wear them.

"Don't just tell the public to wear masks. I give you another order; give out free masks. Because sometimes many people cannot afford to buy masks," he said when opening of the 6th National Conference of the Indonesian City Governments Association at the State Palace in Jakarta, Thursday, February 11.

Widodo urges mayors to maintain efforts in mitigating the Covid-19 pandemic, which is widespread in Indonesia. The president reminded members of the Association Indonesia to always look for the best ways in controlling the pandemic.

Jokowi said regional heads must never stop reminding the public to be disciplined in using masks, physical distancing, and avoiding crowds. He said that he had instructed the TNI Commander and the Chief of Police to send their troops to help local governments.

"Let me remind you that the Covid-19 pandemic is not over. We have to keep working hard, be more detailed to find new ways to overcome problems, and even take advantage of this crisis to achieve significant progress," said Jokowi.

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Egi Adyatama