TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia in an online press conference on Tuesday called for national mass media to publish positive news coverages during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, hoping that the public would not be stressed because of current reports.

“Report on nice things if you could. I was also a patient. If I read things that stress me out that would make it difficult. But if I read pleasant things, my immune system would improve,” said the Minister on July 27.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected almost every country around the globe. In many countries, both the governments and the people work hand in hand in facing the pandemic. The minister views that this aspect of togetherness can become a stimulus to accelerate the relief attempts against the spread of the virus. Bahlil hopes that Indonesia would apply a similar strategy.

“Don’t politicize every little thing. Let us together build the nation. Inshallah we will get out of this crisis. With a united determination on how to stay solid. Don’t be suspicious in every little step,” he said.

According to the minister, the government is formulating a strategy to prevent the Covid-19 pandemic from having a blow against the realization of investments during the second quarter. Bahlil said the realization in the third quarter will be challenging amidst public activity restriction due to the rising Covid-19 cases.

The government has set a goal of Rp900 trillion in foreign investments by the end of this year.

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FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA