When Jokowi-Prabowo Was Deemed Not Exemplary Implementation Of Health Protocols

President Joko Widodo attended the wedding of Atta and Aurel (Photo: Twitter @jokowi)

JAKARTA - The presence of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto at the lavish wedding of Atta Hallintar and Aurel Hermansyah was in the spotlight. The former governor of DKI Jakarta is considered not to have exemplified the application of health protocols to the public in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not only that, but many parties compare marriages broadcast on private television with public weddings that are immediately dissolved when they are deemed to have violated health protocols.

One of these views came from the Australian Griffith University epidemiologist, Dicky Budiman. To VOI, he regretted the presence of President Jokowi and the Minister of Defense at the event.

This is because there is an impression that this event confirms that there is special treatment or relaxation of health protocols for those who know high-ranking officials in the country. In fact, the rules for preventing the transmission of this virus should be obeyed without exception by anyone.

"This health protocol applies indiscriminately, applies to all. Not because someone is close to an official or a public figure, so that an exception can be given", said Dicky in a message sent on Monday, April 5.

Although many people who attended the event wore masks or face shields, the crowd at one event was deemed inappropriate by society. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic whereas on Sunday, April 4 yesterday, the death toll reached 427 people.

"So this is not a good example during the current pandemic, because he sees this protocol as being picky. Moreover, I have seen many weddings being dissolved", he said.

This expert also asked for clarification on this incident. So, things like this must be straightened out especially in the midst of a pandemic so that there is no polemic and comparing with each other.

"I am concerned and hopefully this can be clarified, straightened out, and there is no more (such an incident, red) in this pandemic situation", he said.

The highlight of Jokowi's presence also came from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician Mardani Ali Sera. He considered it natural for many parties to criticize his presence at the event which was held on Saturday, April 3.

Moreover, Jokowi's presence was even published on the official account of the State Secretariat, raising questions for many parties. "Naturally, if there is a negative response from the post. The public thinks it is not a government matter, let alone a state affair", said Mardani, Monday, April 5.

According to him, the presence of important state officials in celebrity events also shows the quality of the government. In fact, said Mardani, some considered it too much if President Jokowi's class and Defense Minister Prabowo had set aside time for a private event.

"If I think yes, that's the quality of our current leadership", he said.

There is nothing wrong with Jokowi's presence

Even though it was in the spotlight, the presence of Jokowi and Prabowo Subianto at the Atta-Aurel wedding was considered nothing wrong. Presidential Staff Office (KSP) expert Ade Irfan said that marriage ceremonies may indeed be carried out as long as they follow the rules set by the Task Force for Handling COVID-19.

"Now that marriage is allowed, there are procedures, regulations, provisions that have been issued by the Task Force. From the limitation on the number and the most important thing is to comply with health protocols”, said Ade Irfan when contacted by VOI, Monday, April 5.

Ade Irfan said that it would be a mistake to make Jokowi's presence contrary to conditions in the regions. This also answers the tweet of writer Fiersa Besari, who said that what Jokowi and Prabowo did was a paradox.

This was conveyed by Fiersa in her Twitter account, which stated that when community reception permits were allowed, on the other hand, celebrity weddings in the country were attended directly by the highest leaders.

"It must be understood that the rules for the wedding ceremony regulated by the COVID-19 Task Force, as long as they are obeyed, can still be done. Moreover (rules) regarding the number of invited (guests) present and the necessity for proper and correct health protocols, there is no problem. Don't see the perspective negatively", he said.

"His mature and wise way of thinking. If everything is considered wrong, even Sir Jokowi will blame the rat on the road. Don't think narrowly negatively. All of these are government regulations for the involvement of local governments, don't all be drawn to the president, local governments have the involvement and authority”, he added.

Meanwhile, Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa (PKB) politician Luqman Hakim highlighted the number of netizens who criticized the State Secretariat's Twitter account. According to him, the critics who commented on the upload of the account after President Jokowi came to the wedding were carried out by opposition groups.

He even said that this opposition was not smart and even joked, this could be done by those who are still single or have no partner.

"There is no point in making a fuss about the posting of the Ministry of State's social media accounts over Pak Jokowi's activities in attending Aurel and Atta's wedding, it is useless. Criticizing such problems, it is possible that only came from two groups. The opposition that is not smart or single who hurts to see marriage", he said.

Luqman assessed that the upload did not need to be exaggerated to become a polemic. "Let's just say that Ministry of State Secretariat is helping the campaign for a good marriage to the community", said the deputy chairman of Commission II of the DPR.

He also invited all people to see a more positive side of view. Including, this indicates that President Jokowi can witness marriage for anyone.

"There is an opportunity for the prospective bride and groom, whoever it is, who wants Mr. Jokowi as a witness to their marriage", he concluded.