It is impossible for the government to deal with the pandemic single-handedly without the support of other stakeholders.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government had initiated the National Solidarity Movement for COVID-19 Handling to fortify the spirit of mutual cooperation in handling the pandemic.

"It aims to reinforce various attempts that we have made so far to accelerate the handling of the pandemic,” Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Muhadjir Effendy noted in a written statement here on Thursday.

The movement will be led by the minister. It was established through a joint agreement at a national coordination meeting attended by over 500 representatives from various national stakeholders.

The meeting’s participants comprised Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin; Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency Lieutenant General Ganip Warsito; Head of the National Alms Agency Noor Achmad; Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Arsjad Rasjid; head of regional governments; as well as representatives of academics, business actors, communities, and media.

"It is impossible for the government to deal with the pandemic single-handedly without the support of other stakeholders," he emphasized.


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Hence, the movement will continue the government’s attempts of enforcing proper and strict health protocols; conducting testing, tracing, and treatment programs; accelerating mass vaccination programs; ensuring the availability of drugs, oxygen, and other medical necessities; as well as supporting the sustainability of public health services.

In addition, the minister urged all ministries and government agencies to immediately respond to the local governments’ demand to meet the needs for handling COVID-19.

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Effendy also urged non-governmental stakeholders -- social organizations, business players, philanthropies, and media -- to increase their mobilization and resource assistance in their respective regions.

The minister believes that strengthening national solidarity and mutual cooperation will also help to reduce mortality rates and prevent deaths, improve health services, as well as disburse social assistance.

Effendy urged the heads of regional governments to provide free masks for underprivileged residents, while the media was encouraged to rectify misleading information regarding COVID-19 and disseminate information on the impact of the National Solidarity Movement for COVID-19 Handling .

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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Uyu Liman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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