The packages were distributed to people affected by the Emergency Community Activities Restrictions (PPKM) by village-affiliated non-commissioned military officers (Babinsa) and security and public order police officers (Babinkamtibmas) at an event at the Surakarta City Hall.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) chief, Lieutenant General Garnip Warsito, as well as Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo also attended the event.
Besides the 30 thousand relief packages, the government has also announced the distribution of 147 tons of rice to people affected by the PPKM.
Prior to Saturday's event, the police chief made surprise visits, known as “blusukan”, to night food stalls, popularly known as “angkringan”, around the city on Friday night (July 16, 2021).
While handing out essentials and masks, Prabowo spoke to merchants and residents about the importance of following the health protocols and complying with the PPKM rules.
He asked them whether the emergency restrictions had affected their income and advised them to remain patient and comply with the restrictions to help cut the COVID-19 infection rate.
He was accompanied by assistant for operational affairs, Inspector General Imam Sugianto, Central Java provincial police chief, Inspector General Ahmad Luthfi, head of division of profession and internal security, Inspector General Ferdy Sambo, as well as head of police public affairs and press directorate, Inspector General Argo Yuwono, on the visit.
According to the website of the Surakarta city government, the city has recorded 19,617 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of July 17, 2021.
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Translator: Bambang Marwoto, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
