Doctor Tirta Fears That The Inpres COVID-19 Will Include The TNI Cause Friction

Screenshot of doctor Tirta in virtual discussion

JAKARTA - A medical volunteer for handling COVID-19, doctor Tirta Mandira Hudhi, considers that the involvement of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) in handling COVID-19 will cause friction between the community and law enforcement.

The involvement of the TNI is regulated in President Joko Widodo's instruction Number 6 of 2020 concerning Increasing Discipline and Law Enforcement of Health Protocols in the Prevention and Control of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

"If the Inpres is carried out, I am sure it will create new friction between the public and law enforcement. What I fear is that," said Tirta in a virtual discussion, Sunday, August 9.

In conditions on the ground, Tirta considers that there are still many violators of the COVID-19 prevention protocol, such as not wearing a mask and not maintaining a distance. He doubted that the prosecution of all violators by TNI officers would be effective.

"I have seen it myself, thousands of people violated it in the field. Right, it's not effective. Poor TNI. If those who violate, are advised but stubborn, they can fight," he said.

Therefore, instead of involving the ranks of the TNI in handling COVID-19, Titra suggested that Jokowi specialize in handling hoax news related to COVID-19 that is developing on the internet and social media.

"The Inpres should take action against people who spread wrong information. We have the Ministry of Communication and Information. If everyone is proven to be spreading wrong information about COVID, we will do that," said Tirta.

Previously, TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic must be handled in a broad manner. Because the spread of COVID-19 is increasingly widespread.

This statement was conveyed by Hadi at a meeting of the TNI ranks to discuss the evaluation of disciplinary health protocols and the follow-up to Presidential Instruction (Inpres) Number 6 of 2020.

According to Hadi, disciplinary operations initially began in four provinces and 25 districts / cities that implemented Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB). This disciplinary operation is expanding throughout Indonesia with 8 priority provinces.

"The disciplinary operation that has been implemented is dynamic in accordance with the dynamics of the pandemic and directions from President Joko Widodo," said Hadi, Friday, August 7.

According to him, there needs to be an evaluation of ongoing operations so that the TNI can better carry out further operations.

"Since the beginning of handling COVID-19, the TNI has been the focus of the government and society in disciplinary efforts. Therefore, the TNI must also be an example of the implementation of this discipline," said Hadi.

Hadi hopes that all ranks of the TNI will always pay attention and be aware of developments such as the emergence of new clusters of the spread of COVID-19 such as those that occur in offices.

The new cluster has increased the number of positive cases of COVID-19. For this reason, the TNI must ensure that all TNI units, soldiers and civil servants carry out proper health protocols, including in their respective unit offices.

"All commanders / leaders in the unit are responsible for this," he said.