"Hopefully, my presence in Jakarta would facilitate the implementation of the programs that have been set and particularly in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. We are optimistic that this problem would be solved effectively," Riza stated at the Jakarta presidential palace here on Wednesday.
The inauguration ceremony of the new deputy governor was only attended by limited invitees comprising Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan. Those present at the ceremony wore masks.
Riza voiced his seriousness in enforcing the rules, especially pertaining to the implementation of Large-Scale Social Distancing (PSBB).
Jakarta has recorded the largest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, reaching 2,349, with 243 people dead and 168 people recovering, as per April 14, 2020.
On March 23, 2020, the Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD) held an election for the deputy governor of DKI Jakarta in which PKS candidate Nurmansjah Lubis had secured 17 votes, while Riza Patria, a candidate from the Gerindra Faction, won 81 votes, whereas two votes were considered invalid.
The deputy government’s seat had been vacant since Sandiaga Uno, in 2018, resigned from his position as the deputy of Anies Baswedan, as he paired with Prabowo Subianto to contest in the 2019 Presidential Election.
Related news: Jakarta to slap sanction on companies operational during PSBB
Related news: Jakarta has more than half of Indonesia's COVID-19 cases
Related news: Jakarta police distribute 25 tons of rice to low-income people
Related news: Indonesia to ramp up COVID-19 testing with 78 additional labs
Translator: Desca LN, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
