Jokowi Reminds Regional Heads: It Needs Strong Field Leadership So The People Know We Are On Their Right And Left

President Jokowi in the direction of regional heads throughout Indonesia (Presidential Secretariat Youtube)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reminded regional heads to really implement strong field leadership related to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The regional head together with the Forkopimda ranks must ensure that they move in the field to answer the needs of the community.

"The end of this pandemic cannot be predicted after the first variant, then the delta variant. Three days ago WHO said it was estimated that there would be another new variant and this would cause the pandemic to be longer than we expected," Jokowi said in a virtual briefing to regional heads throughout Indonesia which was broadcast via the Presidential Secretariat Youtube, Monday, July 19.

"This means that we need a long breath, therefore, I ask the governors, regents, mayors who are supported by the Forkopimda ranks, so that all of them focus on this problem, both the COVID-19 side and the economic side and management and organization are the key and I ask all organizational machines are run at their best. We need strong field leadership to deal with the current pandemic," Jokowi continued.

According to Jokowi, strong leadership must be able to move quickly and be responsive. Not only regional heads, but work at the sub-district, kelurahan and village levels.

"I ask the governors, regents, mayors who are supported by the Forkopimda ranks to really focus and be responsible for all of this, the central government will provide support. The key is field leadership starting from the sub-district head, village head and lurah including religious leaders, social leaders, social and religious organizations at the local level," said Jokowi.

According to Jokowi, the field action that must be boosted is preventing the spread of COVID-19. Disciplining the public to comply with health protocols such as keeping a distance, wearing masks is the main key for Jokowi.

The local government must also massively socialize the handling of COVID-19, especially for residents who are exposed to the corona. The public, continued Jokowi, should not be left 'confused' when dealing with COVID-19.

"The important thing is to prepare an isolation house, especially for light walking. If it could reach the village or village level, it would be better. At least there is centralized isolation at the sub-district level, especially for densely populated areas, especially in cities and towns," said Jokowi.

"I ask for strong field leadership to emerge so that the people know we are on their right and left," Jokowi reminded.