The activities of state officials make them vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. It is necessary to disclose the information as early as possible to prevent the spread of transmission.
By
KOMPAS TEAM
·5 minutes read
Kompas
Indonesian President Joko Widodo wearing a protective mask and face shield talks as he inspects the third phase trial for COVID-19 vaccine in Bandung, Indonesia, August 11, 2020.
JAKARTA, KOMPAS -- Public officials, such as ministers, governors, regents, mayors or regional secretaries, are among those who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 because of their activities. Thus, their COVID-19 status, especially if they are tested positive for the disease, needs to be disclosed as early as possible to prevent the spread of transmission.
Institute of State Administration (IPDN) professor Djohermansyah Djohan said public officials should be more honest to the public if they have been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of COVID-19. Apart from setting an example, their honesty is important to encourage effectiveness in handling COVID-19.
"Because public officials are examples and role models, they must disclose to the public if they have been exposed to COVID-19," he said on Wednesday (16/9/2020).
The COVID-19 pandemic, which is not yet under control, does not only infect the common people but also officials in the central government and regional administrations. The absence of an instruction from President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as the head of government regarding transparency of officials related to COVID-19 means that not all officials make public announcements when they are exposed.
As far as Djohermansyah has observed, many government agencies at the central and regional levels tended to cover up COVID-19 cases within government circles. Only some state officials announced publicly when they contracted COVID-19. The lack of transparency can make employees worried because they have to work in the office even though there are already employees or officials who are positive for COVID-19. This condition actually makes contact-tracing difficult as a way to break the spread of COVID-19.
"Public officials at the ministerial level, cabinet, echelon I, echelon II, echelon III and echelon IV levels must disclose it to the organization, to the public. District head, subdistrict head, regent/mayor, all [need to disclose it to the public], because openness will make [COVID-19] handling more effective,” said Djohermansyah.
For this reason, said Djohan, the President as the head of the government needed to give firm and clear directions regarding the public communication of government officials.
Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Edhy Prabowo while visiting Gebang Mekar Village, Gebang District, Cirebon Regency, West Java, Tuesday (7/7/2020). Eddy was reportedly hit by Covid-19.
Position of public figures
Central Information Commission member Arif Adi Kuswardono added that a case where a public official was infected with COVID-19 but chose to remain silent was a bad example for society.
"This has nothing to do with patient’s health information or medical records that must be kept confidential. Rather, it concerns [their] responsibilities as public figures or regional heads," said Arif.
As public officials, he continued, they could set examples of ideal behavior in dealing with COVID-19, both before they contracted the disease, during sickness or after recovery.
Being tightlipped in the midst of a pandemic is counterproductive.
"The risk of being public figures or officials is that they do not have privacy, so they should be brave enough to open up to the public regarding their status. This is to show that even when they are sick, they can set an example of good behavior. Being tightlipped in the midst of a pandemic is counterproductive,” said Arif.
The general secretary of the Indonesian Public Health Experts Association (IAKMI), Husein Habsyi, also believes that the openness of officials’ status regarding COVID-19 is needed to support epidemiological investigations. If infection is known to have occurred, the process of tracing, examining and handling cases can be done more quickly.
"This includes public officials. Being honest and open about their positive status of COVID-19 is actually a good response to be able to protect those around them. So, people who have been in contact with them can be more prepared and aware of the risk of transmission," he said.
Husein added that the disclosure of positive status of COVID-19 can also reduce the stigma about this disease. Everyone can get COVID-19, so COVID-19 is not a disgrace that must be covered up.
Official died
INSAN ALFAJRI UNTUK KOMPAS
DKI Jakarta Regional Secretary Saefullah inaugurated the Sunter pressure pump, Wednesday (15/8/2018), in North Jakarta. Saefullah died on Wednesday (16/9/2020) because of Covid-19.
On Wednesday (16/9), Jakarta mourned after Jakarta secretary Saefullah died at 12:55 p.m. at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital, Jakarta. Saefullah died of irreversible septic shock with ARDS or acute respiratory distress syndrome for patients with confirmed COVID-19.
Jakarta Health Agency head Widyastuti confirmed the news. "This afternoon [Wednesday], our secretary, Pak Saefullah, passed away due to irreversible septic shock with ARDS, which is a severe infection of the lung and all body systems due to COVID-19 infection, which leads to failure in breathing. Let us all pray that Pak Saefullah rests in peace,” said Widyastuti.
Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan remembered Saefullah as a professional official. "Especially during the COVID-19 outbreak, we worked together 24 hours. In fact, he was most active in distributing [food] supplements to colleagues. Anyone who met [him] must have a story on how he shared the supplements to increase stamina. The man who always thought about the safety of others is today brought to the [his] funeral,” said Anies.
According to Kompas R&D data, from March to mid-September, 29 regional officials (governors, regent/deputy regent, mayor/deputy mayor) have tested positive for COVID-19. Of the 29, 24 recovered, five died.
Meanwhile, deputy chairman of the Gerindra Party, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, confirmed that Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo was infected with COVID-19. This statement was conveyed in response to unconfirmed news in the media regarding Edhy Prabowo, who is also a cadre of the Gerindra Party.
"That’s true, Edhy Prabowo tested positive for COVID-19. Edhy Prabowo was first treated at the Kramatjati Police Hospital, then he was transferred to the Army Hospital. Edhy Prabowo was then treated intensively and is now fine,” said Dasco.
He confirmed that Edhy was admitted to the ICU for better treatment and was conscious. Communication has also been made per telephone. Edhy\'s condition is now getting better.
"Thank God, the results of his [latest] swab test is negative," he said, on Wednesday night.
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