Faisal Basri Echoes Budi Gunadi's Name As 'War Commander' For Handling COVID-19

JAKARTA - Senior Economist of the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef), Faisal Basri, welcomed Budi Gunadi Sadikin's entry into the ranks of the Advanced Indonesia cabinet as Minister of Health (Menkes). Because, Faisal assessed, Budi brought hope in handling COVID-19 in the country.

Faisal said Budi's mindset that did not prioritize the economy in handling the impact of COVID-19 raised hopes that the handling of the pandemic would be better. Moreover, he said, Budi was one of the figures who had been willing to talk to epidemiologists.

"Pak Budi Gunadi is very aware as the head of the PEN Task Force that whatever we do, he said it will be difficult to achieve good results as long as the pandemic is not well controlled. So starting from here I have optimism," he said, in a virtual discussion, Wednesday. , 23 December.

Furthermore, Faisal also asked President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to appoint Budi Gunadi as the warlord in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. According to him, Jokowi must support Budi, so that no minister will interfere with his work.

"I hope that other ministers don't fuss, there are ministers who bicker on tourism discounts, the elimination of airport tax is chaotic. Appoint the warlord to face COVID-19, and he is Budi Gunadi Sadikin, backed up by the President," he said.

By appointing Budi Gunadi as war commander, said Faisal, confidence would emerge from within the business community and from the community. According to him, with one command, the way to deal with COVID-19 will be clear. This can also make people dare to shop again.

"Now, in my opinion, I apologize if I am wrong, now my impression is that the people have been indifferent. The people do not believe in the government, make new crowds, hold work meetings in Bintan, Airlangga Hartarto," he said.