Sold Expensive, Corona Antidote Masks From The DKI Provincial Government

Photo illustration (Bagus Santosa / VOI)

JAKARTA - In various markets and shopping centers, masks are being hunted until stocks run out. Government control of masks is also needed. Therefore, PD Pasar Jaya Manager of Public Relations and Public Relations, Gatra Vagansa, said that his party had bought masks to be sold back to the public.

"Now, the issue of mask stock runs out. So, today we are in an effort to be able to present it. More or less, we are procuring 1,450 mask boxes," said Gatra when contacted, Tuesday, March 3.

However, the price of a box of masks sold by PD Pasar Jaya turned out to be expensive following the selling price in other markets and shopping centers which often ran out of masks due to scarcity of stock and increased purchases. The DKI Provincial Government has set a price for one box of masks with the Wellbest brand, which is provided for Rp. 300 thousand with 50 pieces (pcs).

Photo illustration (Irfan Meidianto / VOI

Meanwhile, the unit price is IDR 6,500. In fact, the normal price of the Wellbest brand mask is quite cheap. Gatra admitted, the normal price if it was sold was around IDR 30 thousand. That means, the price sold by the DKI Provincial Government has increased ten times.

"For the most common, the green one might cost around Rp. 30 thousand if I'm not mistaken in Pramuka ... Yes, that's right (the price is up). Indeed, the acquisition price itself is currently rising," said Gatra.

Furthermore, the provision of masks from the DKI Provincial Government can be purchased at JakGrosir Induk Kramat Jati as well as all Perumda Pasar Jaya outlets such as JakMart, Mini DC, and PopMom Store. However, masks are only limited to one box per one buyer.

Initial panic

Previously, two Indonesian citizens in Depok were declared infected with the COVID-19 virus after making contact with a Japanese national. This finding is the first case in Indonesian territory. The authorities explained that the 61-year-old mother and her 31-year-old child contracted COVID-19 from a Japanese national.

The first infection occurred in the child who danced with the Japanese citizen on February 14th. After that, he developed a prolonged cough and finally tested positive for COVID-19 on February 28.

"Then, on the 26th, he just asked to be treated, how come the cough didn't go away, had a shortness of breath, and had a little fever. Then he was treated," said Terawan at the Sulianti Saroso Infection Center Hospital, Monday, March 2.

Sulianti Saroso Hospital isolation room (Diah Ayu Wardani / VOI)

Before Terawan, Jokowi made the first announcement. Since that announcement, face masks have been hunted around blindly. One of the places that is being targeted is the Pramuka Market, Matraman, East Jakarta.

The price of masks has also skyrocketed. A box of Sensi type 3 Ply masks is sold for IDR 400 thousand. This type of mask is indeed the most sought after by residents.