Worried About The Surge In COVID-19, Anies Asked The Central Government To Give Up A Long Holiday

Governor of DKI Jakarta Anies Baswedan (Doc. Public Relations of DKI Jakarta Provincial Government)

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan admitted that he had asked the central government to abolish the policy of collective leave or long holidays at the end of October.

However, he said, the central government rejected the proposal. Joint leave remains in effect on October 28, 29 and 30. Followed by the weekend on October 31 and November 1.

"Actually, three weeks ago we submitted a proposal during a meeting with the Task Force. Let's consider the long holiday. But the central government is still running a long holiday," said Anies at the Metro Jaya Police Headquarters, Central Jakarta, Monday, October 26.

Finally, Anies gave up. That way, the DKI Provincial Government is anticipating a spike in COVID-19 cases after a long holiday by increasing contact tracing, examinations, and the capacity of patient care beds.

This is because a spike in cases occurred during the long holiday commemorating Indonesia's Independence Day in mid-August. This resulted in DKI applying strict emergency brakes with PSBB.

"Yes, we are now taking the decision of the central government. We have to be ready for the number of beds, then tracing activities, and testing. Because, during the long holiday, there has been a surge in cases afterward," said Anies.

For information, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) emphasized that the government will not change the schedule for joint leave which will fall on October 28 even though currently the COVID-19 pandemic is still happening.

"With regard to the issue of leave and holidays for the Prophet Muhammad SAW 2020, according to the president's direction, it is stipulated that leave and holidays in connection with the Prophet's Birthday commemoration will still be implemented. So, there is no change," said Coordinating Minister for PMK Muhadjir Effendi.

The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) estimates that the number of vehicles leaving Jakarta on the long holiday at the end of October will reach 622,039 vehicles. This prediction figure is up 21.77 percent compared to the normal situation.

The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan also admitted that he was worried that new cases of COVID-19 transmission would soar during the long holiday at the end of this month.

"This is a long holiday next week. I am frankly very worried. I told my friends to remind the minister to maintain health protocols," said Luhut.