Hopefully, this year's annual session can solidify the whole state institutions' steps in handling the COVID-19 pandemic
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani said she expected Monday's sessions at the Parliamentary Complex to strengthen state institutions' handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the joint session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) both took place in Jakarta on Monday.

"Hopefully, this year's annual session can solidify the whole state institutions' steps in handling the COVID-19 pandemic," she said in a written statement received in Jakarta on Monday.

She said that the commemoration of the 76th Independence Day was even more meaningful amid the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The House Speaker urged the whole nation to remain united and work hand-in-hand to help those affected by or infected with COVID-19.

"With the spirit of togetherness of all the citizens, we are optimistic that we can handle this pandemic. Together we are strong, together we continuously grow," she remarked.

The public must uphold the same spirit shown by the heroes who fought for Indonesia's freedom in 1945, she added.

At present, there is no need to literally bring out weapons to fight colonizers, she said. Instead, people simply need to follow the health protocols and take part in vaccination programs, she added.

"The House of Representatives and the government, supported by the public, are already working together to escape from the crisis and rise from the hardships of COVID-19 pandemic," Maharani stressed.

One of the House of Representatives' roles is approving the state budget allocated for COVID-19 handling. The budget allocation would help tackle several things, such as health, economic, and social issues, she said.

The House of Representatives must also monitor the government's efforts in COVID-19 handling so it can be carried out accordingly, she added.

She expressed optimism that Indonesia would rise and recover from COVID-19 to become the great nation dreamed of by its pioneers.

"The public economy must always grow. The quality of our children's future will always be (worked on), and development will continuously be carried out," Maharani assured.

During the annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly and the joint session of the House of Representatives and the Regional Representatives Council, held in Nusantara Building at the Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta on Monday, Maharani and other heads of state institutions heard the performance report of state institutions, which was a part of the President's annual speech.

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Translator: Imam Budilaksono, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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