Doctor's Service Monument, Symbol Of The Struggle Of Health Workers In Facing COVID-19

Illustration of health workers (Photo by Mulyadi on Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin said the Indonesian Doctors Service Monument could be a reminder of the hard work of the Indonesian people, especially health workers in getting through the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I hope the Indonesian Doctors Service Monument will serve as a reminder to all of us that we have passed a very difficult test but in the midst of pressure and sadness, we do not give up," said the Vice President when delivering a virtual speech at the opening of the Indonesian Doctors Service Monument, in Jakarta, Thursday 17 March.

The Indonesian Doctors Service Monument which was established by the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) to perpetuate the spirit of the doctors who died in their struggle to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic so that they can become examples for other doctors.

"We must not give up, we continue to work hand in hand to face challenges and try to recover as a stronger nation," said the Vice President.

It is recorded that thousands of Indonesian health workers, including around 750 doctors, have died as national heroes since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Indonesia in March 2020.

"I also hope that this monument will awaken the spirit of our dedication and struggle for the sake of the people of the nation and the Indonesian state that we love," said the vice president.

Maruf also expressed his sincere gratitude to all doctors and health workers in Indonesia.

"My sincere thanks go to all Indonesian doctors and health workers, as well as to the families of the COVID-19 heroes. May Allah SWT, God Almighty, repay their sacrifices with goodness in this world and in the hereafter," added the Vice President.

Previously, the General Chair of the IDI Executive Committee, Daeng Mohammad Faqih, in his remarks emphasized that the monument could foster the spirit of doctors to serve Indonesia better.

"Hopefully this simple event and monument will become a zero point or return of the fighting spirit of Indonesian doctors to serve the Indonesian people even more strongly, serve in the field of service, serve in the health sector," said Daeng.

This, according to Daeng, is in line with the identity of Indonesian doctors, namely as human fighters for humanity who hold the values of humanism and altruism and as freedom fighters as IDI was born at the time of Indonesian independence.

"Thank God this pandemic proves that the soul is still attached to Indonesian doctors," said Daeng.