Coordinating Deputy Speaker of the House for People's Welfare, Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, recently expressed his concern over the availability of the state budget to mitigate the impacts of Covid-19 and for the restructuring of Indonesia's economy amid the outbreaks. Iskandar was concerned the such condition would lead to an increase in foreign debt due to budget constraints.

"Under the current situation, I can see how the limited budget that the state has at its disposal could potentially make the government fall for foreign loan scheme. We don’t want this large external debt to cost Indonesia its sovereignty," said the Deputy Speaker at the House complex yesterday (3/31).

In this connection, the National Awakening Party (PKB) politician hopes the Government will come up with a reasonable, fast, and appropriate solution to cover the large budgetary needs in the current national disaster situation. Iskandar mentioned how it would be better if the state owes money to its own people than to an international entity.

"It's fine if the country owes money to the rich Indonesians, as long as it comes from our own country. We can collect the contribution and Indonesia will have its sovereignty," added Iskandar. The East Java VIII electorate legislator also reminded the government to put in place sensible policies. The government must put everything from budget to economic impacts into consideration in this regard.

Not only the Government, the Deputy Speake also urged PKB members to play an active role in public campaigns on healthy lifestyles to safe ways of interacting. "Everybody must stay healthy and avoid unnecessary public activities. Preventive measures against the spread of Covid-19 must be disseminated actively through communication media, social media, and so on," he explained.

Iskandar also reminded the public about the importance of maintaining physical fitness in the fight against Coronavirus since it has been scientifically proven that a fit physical condition can improve the immune system. This is certainly in addition to consistent practice of physical distancing to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

"So what you need to make sure is your physical fitness. What you can do is regular exercise, get enough sleep, take vitamins, eat nutritious food, and so on. And also, don’t panic, because panic will psychologically make your body weak," said the politician who is also known as Gus Ami, closing his statement. (Ann / sf)