Jakarta Governor Candidate, Dharma Pongrekun, touched on the issue of the pandemic if it happens again in Indonesia. Because if a pandemic happens again, all the programs will be in vain. Photo/Aldhi Chandra
Dharma expressed this while informing the three pairs of candidates for the Governor-Deputy Governor of Jakarta at the Sultan Hotel, Jakarta, on Sunday (17/11/2024) about the vision and mission on the agenda of the debate. .
In its vision and mission, Dharma offers the adab Dharma-Kun program to the people of Jakarta, namely 10 Safe and 5 Independent.
“The Dharma Kun Adab Program gives the people of Jakarta 10 Safe and 5 Independent, independent of food, independent of shelter, independent of clothing, independent of water and independent of energy,” said Dharma.
“Safe for manners, safe for floods, safe for scraping, safe for traffic jams, safe for the economy, safe for crime, safe for waste, safe for pollution, safe for carbon emissions and safe for pandemics,” he continued.
He said that the 15 advantages could be achieved if the people of Jakarta unilaterally supported him in this Pilkada. However, there is also something to worry about, that is because of the pandemic outbreak again in Indonesia.
“However, we all need to be aware that the next pandemic could happen, then all the 5 Mandiri Programs and the 10 Safe Programs will not be there if we suffer another pandemic,” he said.
How does Dharma Pongrekun plan to engage the Jakarta community in public health education and resilience programs?
Interview with Dharma Pongrekun: Jakarta’s Future in the Shadow of Pandemics
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the most pressing issues affecting our cities and communities. Today, we have a special guest, Dharma Pongrekun, a candidate for the Governor of Jakarta. Thank you for joining us!
Dharma Pongrekun: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here and discuss the future of Jakarta, especially in light of recent challenges.
Editor: You’ve recently emphasized the need for Jakarta to prepare for future pandemics. Can you elaborate on why this is a priority for you?
Pongrekun: Absolutely. The pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in our healthcare systems, our economy, and our daily lives. If we experience another pandemic, we cannot afford to let existing programs and initiatives fall by the wayside. We need a strategic plan that ensures continuity and resilience.
Editor: It sounds like you’re advocating for a comprehensive pandemic response strategy. What kind of programs do you believe are essential for Jakarta to implement?
Pongrekun: There are several critical areas. First, we need to strengthen our healthcare infrastructure to ensure that it can handle increased demands. This includes better access to medical supplies and improved facilities. Second, we should invest in technology for real-time data collection on health trends. This way, we can respond swiftly to emerging threats. Lastly, public education on health and hygiene must be prioritized to empower the community to protect themselves.
Editor: These sound like ambitious goals! How do you plan to finance these initiatives, especially in a city grappling with economic impacts of the current pandemic?
Pongrekun: Financing is indeed a challenge, but it opens up opportunities for innovative solutions. We can explore partnerships with the private sector, international organizations, and even potential government grants aimed at public health. Additionally, re-evaluating current allocations in our budget could free up funds for these essential areas without compromising other programs.
Editor: Interesting approach! Given the fluid nature of pandemics, adaptability must be key. How do you envision the governance process evolving in response to new health threats?
Pongrekun: Great question. Governance must become more agile. This means establishing emergency protocols that allow for rapid decision-making and resource allocation. Furthermore, a dedicated task force that focuses solely on health emergencies could facilitate collaboration among different sectors—public, private, and civil society.
Editor: Collaboration is certainly crucial. Do you think the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have changed public sentiment toward governance in Jakarta?
Pongrekun: I believe it has. Many Jakarta residents are more aware now of the importance of effective governance in public health. They’re looking for transparency and responsiveness from their leaders. I’m committed to fostering that trust through open communication and active community engagement.
Editor: It seems like you have a solid vision grounded in the realities we currently face. As a final thought, what message do you want to send to the voters of Jakarta in light of potential future health crises?
Pongrekun: To the people of Jakarta, I want to convey that your health and safety will be my utmost priority. Together, we can build a city that is not only vibrant and economically sustainable but also resilient against future pandemics. Let us work as one community to ensure that we emerge stronger from any challenge ahead.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your vision and insights, Dharma Pongrekun. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you, and we look forward to seeing how your campaign unfolds.
Pongrekun: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues, and I appreciate the opportunity to connect with the community through your platform.