The Story Of Anies Participating In The Pilgrimage Of One Family's COVID-19 Cemetery At TPU Rorotan

DKI Governor Anies Baswedan at the Rorotan TPU (Instagram aniesbaswedan)

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan shared his experience when he visited the Rorotan TPU, North Jakarta. When he arrived at the special COVID-19 cemetery, Anies met men and women who were on a pilgrimage.

In his Instagram account, Anies said that he met mothers with red headscarves and men in motorcycle jackets. They are brothers and sisters who are praying for their family's grave.

"Around the tomb. The two of them. Women wearing headscarves. Men wearing ojol jackets with white skullcaps. Squatting, hands up. The chanting of prayers sounded low. I went and sat in a circle with them. I also agreed to their prayers," said Anies, Friday, July 16.

After the prayer is finished. A mother whom Anies met told her that at the Rorotan TPU, the graves of her father and mother resided. At his mother's grave, he was also surrounded by grandchildren and other family members.

Anies saw that her tears continued to flow, the red hood was already wet, so it wiped away tears. Anies quoted the story of the man in the motorcycle jacket he met.

"That's hard, sir, we can't accompany you lately, Dad. Can't guide. Can't shower. We can only come here after Father is buried," said Anies, imitating the man's story.

Shortly after, they moved to his mother's grave. Anies followed them again. As he approached, he heard a soft voice chanting the holy Quran. We listened, until he finished. Say amen repeatedly. The right hand holds the book on the chest and the left hand washes the face.

Still on his Instagram account, Anies asked the public not to regard death reports as mere numbers.

"Yesterday, Distamhut officers buried 281 bodies, it was a sad story for thousands of families. A loved one who a month ago was still fit and happy. Everything has changed," said Anies.

The former Minister of Education and Culture also asked his citizens to reduce travel if there was no urgent business. "Don't take COVID-19 for granted, as if it's only on the news. We've witnessed so many people who lighten up COVID-19, then in a matter of days it turns to grief," he added.