KontraS Against Military, Police Involvement in New Normal Phase
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27 May 2020 22:05 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) stated hard criticism against President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo for involving the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) and police forces in enforcing the upcoming ‘new normal’ protocol.
“That is not how to condition the new normal. True normality is when healthcare authorities are able to showcase their role after the large-scale social restriction (PSBB) ends,” said KontraS researcher Rivanlee Anandar in a text message to Tempo on Wednesday, May 27.
Moreover, Rivanlee argues that mobilizing the two prominent state-authorities will have no effect on the government’s attempt to flatten the COVID-19 curve, which has been shown in their involvement in enforcing the PSBB.
“And for the sake of public order due to people’s unruly discipline, the TNI and Police were involved. That is one of many reasons to overshadow the COVID-19 policies implemented all this time,” said Rivanlee.
Previously reported, President Jokowi had filed a formal request for the TNI and National Police to safeguard the government’s plan to enter the new normal phase. Around 340,000 personnel will be mobilized in this mission and will be spread across packed public areas such as shopping locations, markets, and tourism sites.
ANDITA RAHMA