"The atmosphere of celebrations for Jakarta’s anniversary is different this time. Jakarta, Indonesia, and even the world are facing the COVID-19 pandemic ordeal," he remarked while delivering a speech to mark the celebration of Jakarta’s 493rd anniversary at the City Hall here on Monday.
Baswedan expressed concern over Jakarta being the first epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. However, the spread of COVID-19 in the capital city is now starting to be brought under control, according to the governor.
COVID-19 was not the first pandemic to have struck Jakarta, as the city had also borne witness to the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918.
"During that time, we had managed to get over it. This city has endured various challenges of disasters and successive ordeals, such as natural disasters in addition to health, economic, and social crises. However, Jakarta has always been able to deal with it," he pointed out.
Currently, the people of Indonesia and other countries worldwide have been fighting an invisible "enemy" in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Now, with the permission of Allah, we will once again unitedly demonstrate that Jakarta can face this grave ordeal head on," he stated.
The former education and culture minister conceded to the fact that development in the city was delayed, though rescue efforts for residents had been ramped up.
Moreover, with the appeal to practice physical distancing, solidarity had also grown, according to Baswedan.
"The economy may contract, but our determination is clear that Jakarta will be back on its feet," Baswedan emphasized.
The residents of Jakarta, including health workers, teachers, security officers, religious leaders, and all sections of society, should currently unite to help offer a broader understanding to citizens.
The governor believes that Jakarta’s residents were disciplined enough to follow the health protocols in a bid to break the chain of COVID-19 transmission.
Furthermore, Baswedan appealed to the people of Jakarta to keep endeavoring to win the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic and to uphold the health and well-being of the capital city’s residents. Related news: Jakarta anniversary virtual celebration to proffer fangled experience
Related news: Jakarta's R number dipping to 0.98 is anniversary present: Baswedan
Translator: Taufi R, Ricky P, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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