The Regent Of North Penajam Paser, The New Capital, Refuses To Handle COVID-19, Some Officials Are Scared

Regent of North Paser Sharpener (PPU), East Kalimantan, Abdul Gafur Mas'ud (ANTARA)

PENAJAM PASER UTARA - Regent of Penajam Paser Utara (PPU), East Kalimantan, Abdul Gafur Mas'ud refused to take care of handling COVID-19. What is the reason?

"When countries and regions were in a precarious state at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, then those who checked the finances for handling COVID-19 should realize that the country and region are in a precarious and 'extraordinary' state," said the regent, quoted from Antara, Thursday, July 1st.

This statement was made by Abdul Gafur Mas'ud (AGM) because there were local officials who were investigated by the relevant parties, after last year procuring four chamber units (disinfectant booths) for vehicles, but currently it is considered problematic with prices that are considered too high.

Last year the PPU Regency Government procured four chamber units for vehicles worth Rp. 2 billion, but currently the procurement is considered to cause problems for officials who carry out procurement to regional heads.

"In March last year we held a chamber, but now it's a problem. Even though at that time the price for masks was usually IDR 50 thousand per box, it rose to IDR 500 thousand, even up to millions of rupiah," he said.

At that time, he continued, under conditions of social restrictions, there was a lack of transportation facilities such as ships, planes and other accommodations. Then it was made into a problem and demanded to adjust prices that were not in accordance with the situation at the start of the pandemic.

The PPU Regent was annoyed that the procurement of goods related to the handling of COVID-19 actually made the relevant officials examined regardless of field conditions at that time.

"There is a Presidential Decree for 2019-2020 regarding extraordinary circumstances (KLB). If it is an outbreak, it is like war, whatever is done. Then I as the regent was examined and questioned. Even the Head of the Health Service was also examined and scared," said AGM.

"Therefore, I declare, whether the status is black or purple, I will withdraw, because I don't want it, as every action to handle COVID-19 will make the regents examined and questioned," said Abdul Gafur Mas'ud.

"This year, in the sixth month, I declare that I am withdrawing from dealing with the corona virus. Starting from procurement, handling, and others," continued the Regent of North Penajam Paser.