Group Barred from Celebrating Independence Day at PIK; Govt Clarifies

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta deputy governor Ahmad Riza Patria on Thursday slammed rumors about the ban against celebrating the independence day and flying the Indonesian flag in North Jakarta’s upscale district of Pantai Indah Kapuk, commonly abbreviated PIK on Tuesday.

The deputy clarified that the viral video - showing dozens of law enforcers staying guard at a public road - that has spread about the incident does not tell the complete story as he explained that the main reason behind the dispersion was solely to avoid crowds from forming, which violates Covid-19 health protocols.

Patria also implied that the incident had nothing to do with race or class and urged the public to avert suspicions among each other after this video spread with a certain narrative. 

“The [flag] is a reminder that we are of one nationality, equal, and that there are no indegenous or settlers,” said Ahmad Riza Patria on Thursday, August 19. “Alhamdulillah (Praise to God), Jakarta is a green zone thanks to everyone’s role. I am certain with public participation we can be free from coronavirus.”

The viral video showed members of a certain mass-organization being prohibited from installing a red and white flag ornament. The sub-2 minute video shows many members of the police, military, and Satpol PP walking to the PIK area. One social media account uploaded the video with a narrative that the independence day is prohibited from being celebrated in the upscale area.

Read: Expert Speaks about Covid-19 Cases Comparison During Independence Celebrations

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH