Regarding Fines To Rizieq, Anies: Jakarta Seriously Upholding Protocols, No Preamble

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan emphasized that his party is serious about enforcing the implementation of health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anies called this seriousness as shown by the imposition of administrative fines of Rp. 50 million to the leader of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Muhammad Rizieq Shihab for causing a crowd of people.

"Jakarta is serious in its efforts to enforce health protocols. That seriousness is reflected in the rules and fines. Fines in DKI are not mere words," said Anies at the DPRD DKI building, Central Jakarta, Monday, November 16.

Anies said the tens of millions of fines would have a deterrent effect and would shape behavior to be more compliant with health protocols in the future.

"The Rp. 50 million fine forms behavior. As soon as I heard Rp. 50 million, wow. That's why we apply (sanctions). Only, so far it is not visible. Now it is visible," he said.

Anies said the actions he had taken were in accordance with the governor's regulations regarding the prevention and control of COVID-19. Likewise, the threat of a progressive fine which amount will be doubled if the violation is repeated.

"We are serious about it, from regulation to execution and the way the government works is there are rules, remind citizens of the rules, if we obey it is not a problem, if we are not careful there will be disciplinary action, including imposing sanctions," Anies explained.

Previously, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD emphasized that his party had warned DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan to remind the health protocol for COVID-19 prevention related to Rizieq Shihab's activities.

Starting from the activities of the Prophet's birthday as well as the marriage of the son of the High Priest of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Rizieq Shihab, Najwa Shihab which was held on Saturday, November 14 last week.

"The government regrets the violation of health protocols at the implementation of the wedding ceremony and the commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday in Petamburan, Central Jakarta, where the government actually warned the Governor of DKI Jakarta to ask the organizers to comply with the health protocol," said Mahfud.