PALANGKA RAYA – EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION BUREAU. Central Kalimantan Governor H. Sugianto Sabran attended a virtual meeting of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo to all Regional Heads in Indonesia through a video conference from Jayang Tingang Hall, Governor’s Office, Palangka Raya, Monday (25/10/ 2021).

The meeting, which was held virtually and conducted live from Jakarta, was attended by Ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet, Presidential Chief of Staff, Attorney General, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Head of the Indonesian National Police, Head of the State Intelligence Agency, Head of the National Disaster Management Agency as well as the Head of the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency.

Also present accompanying the Central Kalimantan Governor Sugianto Sabran in the meeting to listen to the direction of the President of the Republic of Indonesia were the Vice Governor H. Edy Pratowo, Acting Provincial Secretary Nuryakin, Head of Health Office Suyuti Syamsul, Head of Forestry Office Sri Suwanto, and Director of RSUD dr. Doris Sylvanus Yayu Indriaty.

On that occasion, there were 2 (two) important things in President’s directions namely regarding the absorption of the budget towards the end of the year and efforts to anticipate the surge in COVID-19 cases during Christmas and New Year holidays.

“All Regional Heads and all levels of Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, I just want to remind you that it’s already November, December will soon be here. I remind you that the realization of Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget is really encouraged so that everything can be absorbed so that it can provide increased economic growth in the region,” said President Joko Widodo.

Furthermore, President Joko Widodo also emphasized to the public to continue to be vigilant and act quickly to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases so as not to cause a third wave of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia. “We must maintain our vigilance, preparedness, and speed with which we act so that we can continue to suppress the decline in COVID-19 in Indonesia, so that the daily cases will decrease and there will be no third wave in our country,” the President said.

Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, President Joko Widodo emphasized that there are 3 factors that can lead to new cases. “Learning from other countries, the trend of increasing cases is the problem with 3 things, first, the realization is too fast, it doesn’t go through stages. Second, the issue of undisciplined health protocols. Last one, be careful about schools, which are face-to-face learning activities. These three things become our concern,” he added.

Then, President Joko Widodo also asked all Governors and ranks of Regional Leadership Coordination Forum to work together in increasing awareness and efforts to overcome COVID-19 cases in their respective regions. “I ask Governors, Commander in Chief, Provincial Police Chiefs, to remind the Regents/Mayors, Regional Police Chiefs at Regency/Municipality level, and Regional Military Commanders as well as the District Military Commanders at Regency/Municipality level to continue to increase vigilance in tracing and testing, and also test who are really in close contact with whom,” concluded the President. (renn/sop/photo: kominfo kalteng/translated by feb)