I will grant him a reward for what he has done
Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - A low-ranking policeman in East Nusa Tenggara Province has donated his first salary — Rp7.8 million — for purchasing aid packages for 20 COVID-19 affected families in Penfui neighborhood of Kupang city.

The policeman, Second Brigadier Irsan Tapobali, who recently joined work after finishing training, has been lauded for this effort.


"I will grant him a reward for what he has done," East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief, Inspector General H Hamidin, told journalists in Kupang, the capital of East Nusa Tenggara Province, on Thursday.

Hamidin said he would report Irsan Tapobali’s donation to the National Police chief because the good deed he has done for those in need amid the ongoing oronavirus pandemic could inspire others.



Second Brigadier Irsan Tapobali, who is also a resident of Penfui neighborhood, Maulafa Subdistrict, Kupang city, must be taken as an inspiring example by all people, including young police officers, he averred.



The move by Irsan Tapobali follows calls for mutual cooperation echoed earlier by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).



In a recent statement, President Jokowi highlighted the importance of fostering the spirit of "gotong royong", or mutual cooperation, arguing that the government cannot work alone to fight the spread of coronavirus infections.



"The entire nation's participation is indispensable," President Jokowi declared in a video statement from the Bogor Presidential Palace over the weekend.



"The caring-and-sharing movement must be made public. This is not aimed at showing off, but at keeping hope alive, and inspiring others to do the same good deeds," he pointed out.



The coronavirus disease initially struck the Chinese city of Wuhan at the end of 2019. Since then, it has spread to at least 202 countries and territories, including Indonesia, with a massive spurt in death toll.



As of April 23, Indonesia has recorded 7,775 confirmed COVID-19 cases. While the death toll from the virus has touched 647, as many as 960 patients have been discharged from hospital post recovery. (INE)


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EDITED BY INE





Translator: Kornelis Kaha, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2020