Asking Regional Heads To Be Honest About COVID-19, Speaker Of The DPR: Don't Be Dangerous, Just Report To The Center

Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, asked regional heads to be honest and open about data on cases of the spread of COVID-19 in their respective regions.

This transparency is important so that local governments can continue to coordinate with the central government, especially regarding the handling of Covid patients.

"You have to be honest with the conditions in the area. So that we know the problem, and can mitigate, anticipate. Don't let the COVID-19 condition be dangerous, just coordinate with the center," said Puan in her statement, Friday, July 9.

In addition, the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also asked the local government to map out targets and vaccination capabilities on a regular basis or monthly basis. This, said Puan, is important to know the need for available vaccine doses, health workers, vaccination locations, as well as mechanisms and others.

"Everything needs to be considered in detail. It doesn't matter what micro-managing, because when it comes to people's lives, all the details must be considered," said the chairman of the PDIP DPP.

In order to anticipate the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic at a later time, Puan also reminded the local government to prepare the 2022 Draft Revenue and Expenditure Budget (RAPBD). The draft RAPBD must support welfare and public services, and eliminate things that are not a priority.

"So we have to anticipate the uncertainty in 2022," said Puan.