Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan Tests Positive for Covid-19

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has tested positive for Covid-19, making him the latest senior Indonesian official to contract the coronavirus. He got the results after Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria tested positive for Covid-19 last weekend.

“I tested positive for the coronavirus after working closely with Riza, who contracted the illness from one of his staff members," said the Gerindra Party politician on Tuesday, December 1.

"[Our Covid-19 positive diagnosis] should serve as a warning that anyone can contract Covid-19, so we need to beware." 

"I will self-isolate in the Governor’s official residence, away from my family, who will stay in my private residence, and undergo treatment prescribed by the medical team.”

Also read: Jakarta Deputy Governor Tests Positive for Covid-19

Anies added that he is asymptomatic, and that he will continue working from home. “We have been used to working long distance since March, so the decision-making process should continue without any hindrances.”

Anies called on those he came into contact with him to take a swab test.

He added that his offices on City Hall will be closed following his and Riza’s diagnosis, while the rest of the building will remain open to the public.

Anies called on the public to wish him and Riza well, and hoped that they can learn from his plight. “I hope the public will comply with health protocols such as wearing masks, routinely washing hands, and practicing social distancing.” 

Also read: Jakarta Extends Transitory PSBB to December 6, 2020

Prior to Anies and Riza, Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi and Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi also contracted Covid-19.

Prior to their Covid-19 positive results, Anies and Riza met Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) chief Rizieq Shihab following his return from exile last November.

The firebrand cleric also held a number of mass gatherings in Jakarta and Bogor, West Java, which resulted in a number of Covid-19 clusters.

The FPI’s flaunting of health protocols also resulted in political repercussions, as the police summoned Anies and West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil for allowing the gatherings.

(Writers: Rosiana Haryanti, Rindi Nuris Velarosdela, Rosiana Haryanti | Editor: Egidius Patnistik)

Sources: 

https://megapolitan.kompas.com/read/2020/12/01/10371001/gubernur-anies-baswedan-positif-covid-19?page=all#page2. 

https://megapolitan.kompas.com/read/2020/12/01/11500291/anies-dan-riza-patria-positif-covid-19-bagaimana-roda-pemerintahan-di. 

https://megapolitan.kompas.com/read/2020/12/01/11343321/anies-dan-riza-positif-covid-19-kantor-gubernur-dan-wakil-gubernur-dki?page=all#page2.