Natuna Demands Quarantine Site Relocation due to Coronavirus Fear
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4 February 2020 07:04 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Natuna Regent Abdul Hamid Rizal and several community representatives flew to Jakarta to meet with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Monday, February 3. They left for the capital city with six demands related to the central government’s decision to quarantine and observe Indonesians evacuated from coronavirus-hit China in the island.
Hamid said the local administration was never informed of the observation program. “I was oblivious of the program,” he said, adding that it was a central government’s.
Therefore, he and the entourage were determined to ask for Jokowi's explanation while pointing out six demands as follows:
- Relocate the quarantine site to the military warship
Natuna demanded Indonesians evacuated from China to be transferred to the Indonesian Navy warships (KRI) so that the observation will be carried out offshore and dismiss public unrest.
- Ask for guarantee
The community also asked the central and regional governments to provide compensation in the form of health insurance, such as the establishment of health posts in Natuna.
- Bring in psychiatrists and doctors
The government is urged to bring doctors and psychiatrists to the island. "Because we understand that this problem does not only affect the physical health, but also the mental health of Natuna people," asserted the community representatives.
- Health Minister Terawan should have an office in Natuna
Indonesian Health Minister Terawan is demanded to be stationed in Natuna as a form of health and security assurance, said the locals.
- Urge the central government to disseminate the program
The community demands all central government policies in the future be socialized. “This current situation is an example of the lack of state policy dissemination to the Natuna community, that makes us restless," the other community added.
- Local administration should be the bridges
Natuna people further demanded the regional government be the bridge between the community and the central government.
Furthermore, if the government does not give in to the demands of Natuna people over the coronavirus quarantine program, the community will file no-confidence motion both to the executives and the legislative.
YOGI EKA SAHPUTRA