The Palangka Raya DPRD Asks The City Government To Take Strict Action On THM O2 Cafe And Sport Bar Which Repeatedly Violates Health Promotions

The task force disbanded activities at the O2 Cafe and Sport Bar in Palangka Raya, Saturday night (29/1/2022). (ANTARA/HO-Covid-19 Handling Task Force)

PALANGKA RAYA - The Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), Palangka Raya City, Central Kalimantan asked the local city government to be more assertive against the O2 Cafe and Sport Bar Night Entertainment Places (THM) that repeatedly violated the implementation of health protocols.

"I will report it directly to the mayor. The violation has occurred again, yesterday it was subject to closure and a fine. I ask the city government to be more assertive so that violations do not occur," said Deputy Chairman I of the Palangka Raya City DPRD, Wahid Yusuf, quoted by Antara, Sunday, 30 January.

He also asked the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) to be firm and responsive to the latest developments and situations in the field. As a regional regulation enforcement officer, the Satpol PP who is also part of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force is also quick to respond to any violations.

This assertiveness is a form of seriousness in implementing government regulations and guarantees in anticipating the spread of COVID-19 in the Capital Region of Central Kalimantan Province.

"If the Satpol PP is not firm in implementing the regional regulations, I will directly chair the Hearing Meeting (RDP) with them. Do not let the government be deemed unresponsive and not firm to be seen as negligent in protecting its citizens," said the Golkar politician.

Wahid Yusuf made this statement regarding the disbandment of the O2 Cafe and Sport Bar activity on Saturday night, January 29 by the COVID-19 Handling Task Force. The disbandment was carried out for violating a number of THM operational rules. However, during the disbandment, representatives of the Satpol PP were not present at the dissolution.

Palangkaraya COVID-19 Task Force Controlling Officer Ipda Narmanto explained, initially the Task Force received reports from residents regarding THM activities which still looked crowded, even though the allowed operating hours had passed.

"After the Task Force team arrived, it turned out to be true. The cafe was still operating beyond the allowed hours, there were many crowds and many even did not wear masks," said Narmanto.

However, he continued, the Task Force team did not have a Satpol PP representative, the action was only carried out by disbanding. There are no sanctions applied to THM managers.

The offense committed in that place is very unfortunate. Strict sanctions given by the "City of Beauty" government do not seem to be a deterrent.

Previously, around the beginning of January 2022, the Task Force issued a recommendation letter numbered 360/10/BPBD.I/I/2022 regarding the closure of the THM.

The violation that was committed at that time was sure that there was a crowd and did not keep the distance caused by a number of visitors exceeding the specified capacity.

Visitors are also known to not use masks and violate business operating hours when the provisions for the implementation of the Implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) take place.

The COVID-19 Handling Task Force "City of Beauty" has also taken a number of actions, such as giving a verbal warning on November 16, 2021, giving a written warning on December 10, 2021. Then on December 11, 2021, an administrative sanction in the form of a fine of IDR 5 million is given.

However, although various forms of sanctions have been given by the Task Force, violations of health protocols and violations of operating hours still occur in the two THMs. Therefore, the Central Kalimantan Capital City COVID-19 Handling Task Force gave a recommendation for closure by revoking operational permits.