The event, initiated by the Ministry of Health, was held simultaneously across the country and led by Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono at the Pondok Ranggon Public Cemetery in Jakarta on Tuesday.
In his remarks, Dante said the COVID-19 pandemic caused 160,000 deaths in Indonesia.
He noted that thousands of those who died were doctors, nurses, anesthetists, pharmacists, and other health workers who were assigned specifically to treat patients during the crisis.
“If they had not fought on the front lines, the death toll could have exceeded 160,000, or even reached millions as seen in some other countries,” he said.
Dante emphasized that the sacrifices made by health workers were not only part of the pandemic’s history but also a reminder of humanitarian values that must be preserved.
He said they served selflessly, using their expertise to save lives during one of the most difficult periods in the nation’s health history.
The government, through the Ministry of Health, paid its highest tribute to the doctors and health workers who died, recognizing their names as symbols of dedication and integrity within Indonesia’s medical profession.
“They are health heroes who gave even more, and many lives were likely saved because of their efforts,” he added.
Dante expressed hope that the flower-laying ceremony would be held annually in all regions as part of National Health Day commemorations to ensure the sacrifices of health workers during the pandemic are remembered.
At the Pondok Ranggon ceremony, four families of health workers from Cempaka Putih Islamic Hospital, Pertamina Hospital, and Bhayangkara Hospital attended the tribute.
Ma’ruf Darmawan, representing one of the families, expressed appreciation for the ministry’s initiative to honor those who died in service.
“It is emotional yet comforting for us as a family, especially knowing this will be held every year. Thank you for giving extraordinary attention to my mother, even though she was only a nurse,” he said.
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Translator: M. Riezko Bima Elko Prasetyo, Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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