COVID-19 Task Force Chief Asks Public to Stop Solution Debate

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chief of COVID-19 Mitigation Task Force Doni Monardo has asked the Indonesian people to stop the debate on the best theory in curbing the coronavirus pandemic.

“Now we cannot lose the momentum to debating theories on resolving this pandemic," Doni said in a press conference broadcasted live on the National Disaster Mitigation Agency’s (BNPB) Youtube account, on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

He went on to say that now is the time for the Indonesian people to understand what is being faced and how to anticipate future steps, rather than debate, as Doni believes the best solution to deal with the outbreak currently is to unite and join hands in combating the pandemic.

Doni, also the Chief of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, has just finished discussions with Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan on optimizing existing governing potentials on all levels including, provincial, districts, to neighborhood associations (RW) as well as neighborhood units (RT).

As a result, the Covid-19 task force chief demands all governing levels, including neighborhood unit chiefs, to show their leadership qualities in carrying out all policies issued by the central government by aligning the policies with efforts made by local governments. "So that we are on the same page, don't be outside of it. Stop all the debates," he added.

FRISKI RIANA | DIO SUHENDA (Intern Translator)