House Speaker Dr. (H.C.) Puan Maharani said that a consultation meeting in lieu of Steering Committee on Friday (20/3/2020) has decided to extend the recess and suspend the opening of the session until March 29, 2020. The meeting was attended by leaders of all party factions and standing committees.

“The recess was due to end on March 20, 2020. Meanwhile, the plenary meeting on the opening of Session III was initially scheduled on March 23, 2020. We make the decision by considering the latest situation as the coronavirus continues to spread,” said the Speaker in a press briefing with members of the media at Nusantara Building III of the House complex, Friday.

On the handling of the coronavirus outbreak, the House will give full support to measures taken by the government to ensure that the state really stands with the people, providing comfort and a sense of security. Therefore, she suggested that the government step up efforts by providing more facilities and test kits.

"We cannot stress enough that efforts must be accelerated, while more facilities and test kits must be made available. In fact, a solution needs to be found so that the Coronavirus testing could be provided at no charge to the public. Face masks and hand sanitizers should also be available for free," said the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician.

Maharani further explained the House appreciates the solid and real proactive actions taken by different elements of the society. People encourage each other to wash their hands with soap, keep their distance, and express solidarity in facing the Covid-19 pandemic.

"What the Indonesian people have done is a testament that the principle of gotong royong (the spirit of mutual cooperation) is still deeply rooted in the lives of Indonesian people. Coronavirus knows no boundaries, so to fight it, we must stand together. I believe we will survive this challenge, and Indonesia will once again rise as a more resilient, more united, and more mature nation," she added.

The Speaker also expressed the House’s appreciation to the doctors and healthcare providers who stand on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus. “Let us, all Indonesian people, show our support for them. The Indonesian House is lending its support to the government, in accordance with its tasks and functions, in fighting the coronavirus and all the impacts that its causes, including the socioeconomic impact,” Maharani mentioned in her statement.

The House Speaker also called upon all Indonesian people to remain calm and pray for the best, while staying alert and prepared. “We have to support one another, as well as think and act positively. We are the nation of gotong-royong and with this spirit, God willing, Indonesia will grow stronger and better,” the Speaker said, concluding her remarks.

In the press statement, the House Speaker was accompanied by Vice Speaker on Political and Security Affairs, H.E. Azis Syamsuddin, Secretary General of the House, Indra Iskandar, and other Secretariat General offcials. (pun/es)