TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno through his Instagram page commented on the controversies of social media “influencer” Rachel Vennya who escaped quarantine from a COVID-19 emergency hospital in Jakarta. He strongly urged public figures to control themselves and be proper role models for their followers.

“I am concerned and also furious. We are trying to overcome the pandemic and urging people to obey the health protocols, including quarantine protocols," said the minister in a brief video he uploaded to his Instagram page on October 16.

Moreover, Sandiaga hoped that law enforcers would follow up the case that he believed was a bad precedent amid the ongoing pandemic. He suggested handing the public figure legal sanctions that fit her offense and deter people from committing the same offense.

Rachel Vennya fled from North Jakarta’s Pademangan COVID-19 Emergency Hospital (RSDC) and her action went viral across internet forums. Vennya, her partner, and manager initially arrived from the United States and reportedly ran away from the COVID facility after just three days of quarantine.

Initial investigation found violations committed by a member of the Military Command guarding the quarantine facility, who helped them escape without completing the entire quarantine period required by the COVID-19 task force.

"Public figures should demonstrate good examples instead of bad ones,” Sandiaga Uno added.

Read: Instagrammer Rachel Vennya Escapes Quarantine, Police Blast Her Dangerous Act

DEWI RETNO