IDNEWSNOW.COM, Jakarta – The Covid-19 task force spokesperson Wiku Adisasmito addressed the controversial public speech from Karanganyar Regent, Juliyatmono, who urged his residents to ignore the existence of the Covid-19 virus. The video of the regent giving his speech, without wearing a mask at a wedding ceremony, has gained traction on social media platforms.
“It is regrettable such a statement can come out of a public figure and leader who should be known for their wisdom. This is feared to spark similar acts from more people,” said the spokesperson to Tempo on February 17.
Adisasmito believes a large portion of society is known to be easily persuaded by statements made by public figures. “All lives are important. We must protect each other’s safety,” he added.
A clip from the regent’s speech circulated on social platforms on Tuesday, showed him standing amongst guests of the wedding and spoke in Javanese urging people to look out for themselves and disregard the existence of the Omicron virus and Covid-19 in general.
“The important thing is to look out for yourselves. No need to think about Omicron or Covid. Just consider the virus no longer exists,” said regent Juliyatmono.
The regent asserted that people exposed to Omicron would only suffer mild symptoms and appealed to the public to not take tests when they suffer from the symptoms. He, however, urged people to wear masks but only for the sake of not violating health protocols set by health agencies.
Read: Indonesia’s Covid Cases Exceeds 5 Million after 63,956 New Infections Reported
M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH
