Police Chief Allows Hiring Influencers to Campaign for Covid-19 Health Protocols

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - National Police Chief General Idham Azis asked all his staff to disseminate the health protocols during the 2020 Regional Head Election or Pilkada by involving public figures, including influencers.

The instruction was stipulated in a telegram no. ST/2607/IX/OPS.2./2020 dated September 7, 2020, inked by the Security Management Agency Chief Comr. Gen. Agus Andrianto.

“Disseminate the implementation of health protocols on a massive scale by involving influencers, YouTubers, entertainers, community leaders, public figures, and others who are respected by the community using formal and informal approaches,” said Agus in a written statement on Wednesday, September 9.

Agus said the circular letter was issued to prevent the 2020 Pilkada from becoming a new Covid-19 infection cluster, as well as strengthen the security and the public order.

Other than limiting the number of participants, Agus urged all levels in the regional and resort police to coordinate with the General Election Committee (KPU), the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu), the regional administration, the Indonesian Military (TNI), and related stakeholders.

"Then, call on all candidate pairs, governors, mayors, regents, and political parties to declare a commitment to comply with health protocols at every stage of the 2020 Pilkada," said Agus.

He also reminded candidates and their supporters to obey the KPU regulation on the limit of participants during campaigns, such as 100 people at maximum in a general meeting, 50 people in a limited meeting, and 50 people in debate events.

Agus also called on his staff to ramp up cyber patrols against false news or hoax, black campaign, hate speech, and other violations.

Read also: Police Deploy 192,000 Personnel to Secure 2020 Pilkada

ANDITA RAHMA