United Concert Against Corona Criticized Not Keeping Distance, Organizers Apologize

JAKARTA - The charity concert with United Against Corona, which will be held by the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly which will be held on television stations has drawn criticism.

There was one moment in the concert that was broadcast on Sunday, May 18 evening that was deemed not to have implemented the COVID-19 prevention protocol by maintaining distance or physical distancing.

One of the criticisms came from politicians from the Democratic Party. He included a photo of a number of performers lined up without any distance on the stage.

"Social distancing is not in line with the teaching of BPIP on Pancasila: Come together against Korona!" Rachland said in the @RachlanNashidik account on Monday, May 18.

Social distancing is not in line with BPIP's teachings on Pancasila: Come together against Korona! pic.twitter.com/GrG4jClndd

- Rachland Nashidik (@RachlanNashidik) May 18, 2020

Responding to this, Antonius Benny Susetyo, Special Staff of the BPIP Steering Committee, as the organizer, apologized. Benny explained that one moment where a number of performers stood on the stage without any distance was spontaneous and without an element of intention.

"We apologize for this discussed matter. (The cast of the show) is only a joyful reaction and it happened accidentally," Benny said when confirmed by VOI, Monday, May 18.

Furthermore, one of the members of the cultural task force organizing this concert emphasized that the charity concert for victims affected by COVID-19 was held by fulfilling the corona virus prevention protocol, such as maintaining a distance of 2 meters when performing on stage.

In addition, he said, the performers also conducted a rapid test before the event began. As a result, all examinations reacted negatively to COVID-19.

"The important thing now is how we can do good. Don't just think negatively. So, the efforts of artists and communities must be supported," said Benny.

The United Against Corona charity concert was able to generate donations of IDR 4 billion. This concert was attended by a number of public figures such as Erwin Gutawa Orchestra, Yovie Widianto, GIGI, Radja, Rossa, Andien, Via Vallen, Inul Daratista, Dira Sugandi, Yura Yunita, Tompi, Sandhy Sondoro, Iwa K, Afgan, Rizky Febian, Arsy Widianto, etc.

A number of national figures also filled the event by singing virtually, such as Megawati Soekarnoputri, Bambang Soesatyo, Puan Maharani, to Andy F. Noya.

This concert was opened by President Joko Widodo virtually. "We show that we are capable, we show concern for others, especially those affected by Covid. Take care of ourselves, care for those around us and together fight the Covid pandemic," said Jokowi.

Various items are auctioned at the event and the money collected will be donated to victims whose economies are affected by COVID-19. Not to be missed, Jokowi also auctioned off the Gesits electric motorbike, which Jokowi has often used. A businessman bought the motorbike for Rp2.5 billion.