The Presidential Staff Office (KSP) has urged officers to not hesitate in enforcing quarantine regulations and protocols for Indonesian nationals arriving from overseas trips to prevent COVID-19 spread.

KSP’s expert staff, Abraham Wirotomo, said that disciplined and assertive quarantine protocol enforcement is more urgently required on account of the increasing number of Indonesian nationals arriving from overseas trips.

“The Immigration Office had logged 50 thousand Indonesian nationals arriving from overseas trips and 31 thousand Indonesian migrant workers underwent quarantine at Pademangan and Pasar Rumput quarantine facilities last January,” Wirotomo informed in a press statement issued in Jakarta on Thursday.

President Joko Widodo has highlighted the importance of proper enforcement of quarantine protocols following the recent revelation about a suspected “quarantine mafia,” he said.

“Regarding the suspected ploy in the quarantine process, the President has instructed the police chief to investigate residents’ complaints. I believe that the President’s direct instruction will motivate the police to investigate the suspected mafia case thoroughly,” Wirotomo remarked.

The KSP expert said that the national and regional COVID-19 task forces, military and police officers, the Health Ministry, as well as health workers and volunteers have been tirelessly assisting residents undergoing quarantine.

It is lamentable that the positive performances of hard-working personnel are being tainted by persons wanting to profit from the obligatory quarantine policy, he added.

“Indonesia has proven its success in handling COVID-19 cases in the country. We should not let this positive image be tainted by some person who wants to seek profit from the quarantine policy. The President has also affirmed his seriousness on this issue,” the KSP expert remarked.

Source: Antara News