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.