Bantul, Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - Bantul Police in Yogyakarta Province launched the Bantul SOLID (Optimistic Fighting Against COVID-19) program on Tuesday to support the government's efforts to suppress COVID-19 spread.

The program was launched in the aftermath of the 76th Independence Day flag ceremony that the Bantul Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkompinda) organized in Paseban field, Bantul District, on Tuesday.

"We launch the Bantul SOLID Program at the same time as the momentum of the 76th Independence Day. We hope that with the spirit of independence, the people of Bantul can also be enthusiastic in fighting COVID-19," Bantul Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Ihsan said.

The number of additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 remained quite high in Bantul District though the number of daily positive cases has shown a declining trend in the last few days, he added.

According to him, the Bantul SOLID Program would encourage the public to be enthusiastic in complying with the health protocols, such as wearing masks, maintaining safe distance, and washing hands, among others, to help deal with COVID-19.

This means that the people have to work together and be ready to care and share with others because such acts are indispensable, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

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It will also mean that they are ready to get vaccinated, he added.

The police chief said that he will continuously urge citizens to overcome their fears and get vaccinated because the COVID-19 vaccine is permitted by Islam (halal), is healthy, and has extraordinary benefits.

The benefits include reducing the risk of death and preventing severe symptoms should one contract the disease, he added.

"So the three main things of the Bantul SOLID Program are that we will appeal, invite the community to implement the 5M health protocols together; for us who have an advantage, we care and share together with others; and last but not least, ready to get vaccinated together," he said.

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Translator: Hery Sidik, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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