Minister Fachrul Razi Tests Covid-19 Positive; Palace Reacts

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Presidential Secretariat Heru Budi Hartono responded to the report that Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi tested positive for Covid-19. He said the minister had not met President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in person for long.

“He (Minister Fachrul) attended the plenary meeting. It has been checked that he was present on September 7,” said Heru on Monday, September 21, 2020.

Heru ensured that the minister was in good health condition. Every state guest wishing to meet Jokowi was obliged to undergo a swab test in advance. At that time, [Fachrul] tested negative,” he added.

Presidential Palace Complex, both in Jakarta and Bogor of West Java, applied strict health protocols. The President was only scheduled to attend several ceremonies such as the inauguration of the country’s ambassadors. The events were also held with very limited participants.

As for limited meetings with the Cabinet, Jokowi ordered virtual sessions since the last few months. “It has been a long time that he (Minister Fachrul) has no activities at the palace,” said Heru.

Despite stringent health protocols, Heru underlined that Jokowi would continue to undergo routine health screenings, including the Covid-19 swab test. “[The President] has routine medical checkup,” Heru said.

Special Staffer at the Religious Affairs Ministry, Kevin Haikal, today, September 21, confirmed that Minister Fachrul Razi was infected with Covid-19 and is undergoing isolation.

Read also: Minister Fachrul Razi Reminds Public to Pray at Home as COVID-19 Cases on the Rise

EGI ADYATAMA | DEWI NURITA