I encourage all parties and those who have the network for imports to help with the procurement of affordable medicines. Let's be a hero for our compatriotsJakarta (ANTARA) - Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan on Tuesday described the sale of fake oxygen cylinders by certain elements to profit from scarcity of oxygen in local markets as a "deplorable act".
"Those criminals (are) seeking profits in the illegal way when thousands of people urgently need oxygen cylinders," he said while inspecting oxygen cylinders confiscated by the police from suspected sellers here on Tuesday.
Baswedan said it was "heartless" to profit from the struggles of COVID-19 patients, as well as healthcare workers and other workers who were collaborating to handle the virus spread.
"They (those accused of selling fake oxygen) should understand that this action is shameless. The health workers are the pride of their family, but these suspects are a disgrace," the governor remarked.
Baswedan later told the police to reveal the faces of those accused of selling the cylinders to "shame" them into accepting that their actions were "despicable". The suspects had committed crimes against humanity, he said.
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He then urged all parties to join hands in handling the COVID-19 pandemic in the community, especially those with privileged access.
"I encourage all parties and those who have the network for imports to help with the procurement of affordable medicines. Let's be a hero for our compatriots," Baswedan remarked.
The governor lauded the Jakarta Police, Central Jakarta regional Police, and Indonesian Customs for their cooperation in cracking down on the sale of fake oxygen cylinders.
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"I expressed my highest appreciation and gratitude to the Jakarta Police (for apprehending the suspects)," the governor said.
Earlier, Central Jakarta regional police uncovered the smuggling of imported oxygen cylinders and confiscated 166 one-meter cubic sized cylinders with falsified goods. After they were examined by the Health Ministry, around 138 oxygen cylinders were found to be in a usable condition.
Jakarta Police chief, Police Inspector General Fadli Imran, said Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) paid for the 138 oxygen cylinders and donated them to the Jakarta Provincial Authority.
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EDITED BY INE
Translator: Dewa KSW, Mentari G, Nabil Ihs
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
