The House remains open to perform its constitutional duties amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, focusing on handling the COVID-19 outbreak in some regions by regularly holding working meetings between its Commissions and their counterparts to discuss budget reallocation in the fight against COVID-19, underscored House Speaker Dr. (H.C.) Puan Maharani.

“Praise be to Allah, until now the House remains open to perform its constitutional duties amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 protocol must be observed by all Members of the House in each Commission every time they hold a meeting. So, all tasks in Commissions are carried out under COVID-19 prevention procedures,” said Maharani in a press conference after distributing essential food supplies to employees at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday (23/4/2020).  

Maharani affirmed that the COVID-19 prevention protocol is required in meetings to prevent the spread of COVID-19, while allowing MPs to perform their constitutional responsibilities, including the performance of legislative, budgetary, and supervisory functions. In keeping with this protocol, some Members of the House attend meetings virtually. 

"Even though the Members of the House do not work fully in the office, they still perform their duties virtually. All works relating to the handling of COVID-19 will continue to be carried out in their respective commissions. This way, the parliament can continue to synchronize its works and coordinate with the government," Maharani said. 

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician added that COVID-19 mitigation is not only a domain of the government and the parliament. A good synergy between people reflected in “Gotong-Royong” (spirit of camaraderie) is also needed in fighting the virus believed to be originated from Wuhan, China. 

“In current situation, we all need to bring out the spirit of gotong royong. Together with Bank Bukopin, we turn this spirit of gotong royong into the free essential food supply distribution program for employees of the House of Representatives such as janitors, office boys, drivers, gardeners, and fire fighters, as well as some online motorbike taxi riders. The House Leaders also called upon the Indonesian people to turn the spirit of gotong royong into meaningful acts. 

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture believed that the act of gotong royong among executive and legislative institutions, as well as between local governments and the people, will be a key element in curbing the spread of COVID-19. (hs/sf)