Mahfud MD Says Pilkada Not Linked to Number of COVID-19 Cases

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD opined that the 2020 Regional Head Elections or Pilkada had no effect on the number of COVID-19 cases in regions. He took for an example that Jakarta did not hold the 2020 Pilkada but recorded the highest number of infections. 

“There is no regional election in Jakarta, but the infection rate is high. [Jakarta] always ranks first [in positive cases],” said Mahfud on a virtual press conference on Friday, October 2, 2020.

Mahfud claimed that the red zone status of several regions that held the elections had in fact been dropped. He explained the status of 16 of the total 45 regions classified as red zones had been lowered, while the other 25 remained.

Meanwhile, more regions are categorized as red zones despite not having elections. “The number increased from 25 to 33,” he added.

Thus, Mahfud MD underlined the most vital thing is the commitment to strictly complying with the health protocols by all elements, governments, and social institutions. 

As reported via the city’s page corona.jakarta.go.id, Jakarta has 75,521 COVID-19 cases as of October 1, 2020. A total of 1,795 patients were still being treated, 10,545 in independent isolation, 61,444 patients recovered, and 1,737 patients died.

Albeit recording the highest number of COVID-19 cases among other Indonesia’s cities, Jakarta also recorded the highest number of swab tests.

Read: Mahfud MD Explains Reasons Why Govt Insists on Holding 2020 Elections

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI