PDIP Slams Anies Baswedan's Visit to PPP Yogyakarta amid Soaring Omicron Cases

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A councillor of the Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD DKI Jakarta) from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Faction, Gilbert Simanjuntak, has blasted Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan’s political safari to the Yogyakarta chapter (DPW) of the United Development Party (PPP) amid the rocketing cases of Omicron in the capital.

“When the virus has arrived at his office, he instead left Jakarta for an event at DPW PPP Yogyakarta,” Gilbert told Tempo on Monday, January 31, 2022.

Gilbert said the fact that Omicron is not as deadly as Delta was not a justification for the governor to leave the capital when the pandemic situation worsened. He also lamented the absence of the governor’s account on efforts to curb the spread of the virus in the capital.

“Yogya has its governor who takes care of the region, including members of political parties in Yogyakarta. They also have Kesbangpol (National and Political Unity Office). The Jakarta governor is not required to manage Yogyakarta, because [the governor] also lacks sound and accountable actions in managing Jakarta,” Gilbert said.

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan left today for DPW PPP Yogyakarta to share his experience in spearheading the capital. DPW PPP DKI Jakarta secretary-general Mumtaza Rabbany alias Gus Najmi has confirmed the visit.

“Yes, he departed to Yogyakarta by train. He left yesterday after attending an event at PPP DKI Jakarta,” he said.

According to a public poster, Anies Baswedan is scheduled to deliver a speech titled “Developing to Unite” at the event, at which PPP chair Suharso Monoarfa will also be present. 

Read: Health Agency Clarifies Why Jakarta Yet to Pull COVID-19 Emergency Brake

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH