Lawyer Slams 'Coffin Punishment' for COVID-19 Protocol Violators

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Public defender Azas Tigor Nainggolan criticized the social punishment handed to COVID-19 health protocol violators - which involves placing a person inside a coffin - amidst the transitional period of social restriction shows the Jakarta Administration’s lack of seriousness in imposing punishments. 

“There is no such thing legal wise. That is being out of control. Placing a person inside a coffin seems like a buffoonery and gives the impression that the city administration is not serious in enforcing the law,” said Tigor to Tempo on Friday, September 4. 

The Jakarta Residents Forum (Fakta) coordinator also argued that the unclear handling of violators is rooted in ambiguous regulations. Tigor added that it reflects how city officials fail to understand the behavior of its own residents during a social restriction, including the sanction mechanism and supervisory. 

He also questioned the 'coffin punishment' from a health standpoint as the coffin that is used is shared among other violators. 

“They enter the [coffin] in turns, how could you guarantee that it isn’t spreading the disease? Could you guarantee that the people entering the coffin are all negative [for COVID-19],” Tigor said.

In principle, Tigor believes punishments must act as a deterrent and that the important aspect is to be consistent in implementing it. 

Read: Satpol PP Clarifies Use of Coffin as Punishment for Violating Health Protocols

WINTANG WARASTRI