Why Bima Arya Publishes Rizieq Shihab's Swab Results: I'm The Head Of The Task Force, Have Responsibility

Mayor of Bogor, Bima Arya. (Photo: Instagram @bimaaryasugiarto)

JAKARTA - The Mayor of Bogor Bima Arya said there was no intention to open or disseminate the results of swab tests from Rizieq Shihab. The original intention was simply to seek the correctness of the information to determine the handling measures.

This statement began when the panel of judges questioned the authority of the Bima Arya to seek information on the matter.

Then, the question was immediately answered if he is the Head of the Task Force handling COVID-19 in the region. Therefore, it is mandatory to record and know the spread of COVID-19.

"As the head of the Task Force I am responsible for all planning, supervision in the field and consolidated coordination for all areas in bogor city so that there is no transmission," Bima said in a hearing at the East Jakarta District Court, Wednesday, April 14.

Bima then mentioned the news about Rizieq's health must be confirmed. Because, if the news is true there must be measures to anticipate the spread.

"I am worried that if there is a postif case in the hospital it will then be able to move to another, not to get infected. That's the only basis we act on just to make sure the nurses, visitors, who are there are not infected," he said.

In fact, Bima Arya made sure there was no intention to publish the results of the swab from Rizieq. Reaffirmed, ensuring information regarding Rizieq's condition only to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"We have no plans at all to publish anything yes. What we need is a report after that we will take measures to nourish the patient and further so as not to get infected," he said.

Rizieq Shihab was charged with spreading false news or hoaxes that caused trouble. This false news is related to his health condition that was confirmed positive for COVID-19 while in UMMI Hospital Bogor, West Java.

Thus, in this case Rizieq is suspected by Article 14 paragraph (1), paragraph (2), Article 15 of Law No. 1 of 1946 concerning The Regulation of Criminal Law and/or Article 14 paragraph (1), paragraph (2) of Law No. 4 of 1984 concerning Infectious Disease Outbreaks and/or Article 216 of the Criminal Code jo Article 55 paragraph (1) 1st Penal Code.