Four Indonesian Governors Who Are Covid-19 Positive

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The spread of Covid-19 cases in Indonesia has reached not only everyday Indonesians but also government officials including Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.

Anies joined three other governors of Indonesian provinces that have tested positive for the novel Covid-19 virus.

He shared news of his diagnosis on Tuesday via video and explained in a letter that his Covid-19 positive status came based on a swab test.

Last weekend, Jakarta Deputy Governor Riza Patria announced that he, too, tested for the deadly virus although both top regional heads insist their work will continue as usual.

Here is a list of the country’s governors that ended up being Covid-19 cases in Indonesia.

1. Riau Islands Governor Isdianto

The Riau Islands Governor was believed to have contracted the virus from one of the close work confidantes who have a travel history going from Jakarta to Medan.

When his tracing results came back, it would later be revealed that five of Isdianto’s staff also ended up testing positive.

According to the Spokesperson for the Riau Islands Covid-19 Response Acceleration Taskforce, Isdianto and his staff became Covid-19 cases in Indonesia following a photo shoot at a hotel prior to returning to Tanjungpinang.

After two swab tests, the Riau Islands Governor was declared virus-free on August 13.

2. Central Kalimantan Governor Sugianto Sabran

Sugianto first declared his diagnosis on November 19 which coincided with his debate performance for the 2020 Regional Elections.

Due to his diagnosis, the debate was forcibly postponed to prevent any virus transmission.

3. Riau Governor Syamsuar

News of the Riau Governor and his wife’s Covid-19 infection broke on the same day as that of Anies Baswedan on December 1.

The confirmation came from the Spokesperson of the Riau Covid-19 Response Acceleration Taskforce, Indra Yovi.

As new Covid-19 cases in Indonesia, Syamsuar and his wife, Misnarni Syamsuar have been receiving hospital treatment in Pekanbaru where they share the same room.

To calm concerns about their health as both have pre-existing conditions, Yovi shared that both parties have mild symptoms and are in stable condition.

Syamsuar and Misnarni are in the care of competent doctors including heart and lung specialists.

4. Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan

Similar to other governors of Indonesian provinces, Anies was infected by a colleague, Riza Patria, though he has since clarified that he is in good condition and is asymptomatic.

He added that his family members and office staff have undergone swab tests to ensure that they have not contracted the lethal virus.

When it comes to his work in running the Indonesian capital city, Anies explained that scheduled meetings will continue, but done virtually.

“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.

(Writer: Rakhmat Nur Hakim | Editor: Bayu Galih)

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2020/12/02/09314991/4-gubernur-terinfeksi-covid-19-dalam-9-bulan-pandemi-termasuk-anies-baswedan?page=all#page2