Even Though Luhut-Airlangga Is Commanding The Handling Of The Pandemic, Moeldoko Emphasizes That Jokowi Remains The Highest Leader

JAKARTA - Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko responded to criticism from a number of parties regarding the handling of the pandemic which was coordinated by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartato.

In this case, Luhut is the coordinator for handling the pandemic in Java and Bali. Meanwhile, Airlangga is the coordinator for handling the pandemic outside Java and Bali.

Although Luhut and Airlangga are coordinating the handling of the pandemic to the regional government, Moeldoko emphasized that President Jokowi remains the highest leader in handling the pandemic.

"I always say the highest commander in handling COVID-19 is the president. Pak Luhut, Pak Airlangga, all of them received very clear instructions at cabinet meetings by the President. It shows he is a commander in terms of resolving COVID-19," said Moeldoko at the COVID Hospital. -19 Kemayoran Athlete House, Friday, August 6th.

This, said Moeldoko, was evidenced by routine cabinet meetings chaired by Jokowi, to be followed up with coordination meetings between ministries or institutions.

He gave an example, when there was a shortage of antiviral drugs, Jokowi immediately ordered his men to immediately stock up on drugs from abroad.

Not only that, when a spike in COVID-19 cases occurred a month ago, Jokowi ordered his staff to immediately add an ICU room so that COVID-19 patients were treated quickly.

"As soon as the president receives the logistics distribution report, the TNI Commander prepares the plane to complete it. Next is the limited ICU report, there is an order from the president immediately. That is the highest leader in the structure of handling COVID-19. So, there is no need to discuss it anymore," he explained. .

Therefore, Moeldoko asked all parties not to question the government's mechanism for handling the pandemic.

"Once again, don't make unimportant issues here. Criticism is welcome, but let's get involved together to solve this COVID-19. If you don't want to be involved, that's okay, go ahead," he concluded.