The Man In The 'COVID Rangers' T-shirt Who Distracted Ganjar Pranowo

SEMARANG - A group of youths caught the attention of the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo when holding a Village Meeting in the Regency Pendapa. They were seen passing by at the event location while wearing black shirts.

The pictures and writings on the shirts he was wearing made Ganjar curious. There it says 'Covid Rangers' with an attractive graphic design.

After asking the Regent of Rembang, Abdul Hafidz, Ganjar received information, the group of young people as volunteers who helped Covid-19 patients. Its members, survivors who have recovered from isolation.

"Here, mas, they say you are Covid Rangers, what are you talking about here, while I'm live on Instagram and YouTube, and watched by many people", said Ganjar, quoted from the Central Java Provincial Government Public Relations.

A young man represents his comrades to come forward. His name is Miftachussolichin, the initiator of the Covid Rangers volunteers. To Ganjar, Miftah, as he is called, told about the beginning of the volunteer community being formed.

"I used to be a survivor, sir. My wife and parents are also survivors. During our treatment, we really felt that patients were not only fighting against their illness but also against stigmatization in society", he said.

At first, Miftah was confused about how to educate the public and at the same time encourage her family who were positive. But after her sister-in-law, a journalist tested positive for Covid-19, Miftah got a brilliant idea.

"My sister-in-law when she left the hospital, wore a t-shirt that said 'Never Positive'. It was a very positive attitude, not afraid of being bullied. After being photographed and posted on social media, it turned out that many people were supportive and many survivors sent messages T-shirts for the campaign against stigmatization", he explained.

As reported by Djawanews, from selling the t-shirts, the profits are set aside to help COVID patients, whether they are being treated in hospitals or self-isolation. All his needs are met, with a budget per patient of IDR 120,000. Those who are positive for Covid-19 are sought for contact, contacted, given enthusiasm, motivation, and fulfilled their desires with the money.

"So we buy the necessities. If someone wants satay, we'll buy satay. Some need sanitary napkins, we will buy them. The point is not only to help fulfill needs, but the most important thing is also to strengthen patients so that they feel not alone”, he explained.

At first, the movement was small. But apparently, Covid-19 patients who have been helped, after recovering, donate and even want to become volunteer members. Finally, the donations collected and the volunteers who joined were quite a lot.

"There are currently 25 Covid Rangers volunteers. Every day we check how many Covid-19 patients are there, what they need, and others. We are also actively educating the public so as not to isolate survivors", he explained.

At that moment, Miftah also gave Ganjar a t-shirt. He gave two T-shirts, and Ganjar bought them for more than their usual price. Ganjar appreciated the Covid Rangers volunteer movement from Rembang.

"This is cool. It's extraordinary. The story is interesting, how the strength of the community in dealing with Covid-19 is extraordinary", he said.

Ganjar hopes that these kinds of forces can continue to grow and develop in society. Because with common strength, the handling of the pandemic can go well.

"I hope this kind of movement can appear everywhere. This is a good example, and deserves appreciation", he concluded.