UNS – Government Policy Observer Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Rino Ardhian N, Ph.D was invited as a speaker in the Interactive Dialog held by Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) Surakarta, Tuesday (16/6/2020). The Faculty Member of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UNS was accompanied by Kinkin Sultan Hakim, the Assistant of Government and Welfare of Surakarta City, as another speaker.
The interactive dialogue was held to commemorate the 74th Anniversary of Surakarta Municipality Government raised the topic of Surakarta Municipality Government Policy in Realizing the New Normal.
The increasing age of the Surakarta Municipal Government always catches public attention on the services and policies implemented in Surakarta so far. In this pandemic, several policies issued are adjusted to the current condition. For example, the Extraordinary Event (KLB) status determined in early March 2020 until the issuance of Mayor Regulation (Perwali) No. 10 of 2020 concerning the instructions for Covid-19 handling.
“The activities of the community do not come to a full stop, but they are suggested to stay alert and follow the health protocol. We expect that we can perform our usual activities but not all activities are allowed, it is only for those concerned,” Kinkin stated.
On the occasion, Kinkin explained that currently, services run normally using two methods, online and offline. The example of online services is the identity card (KTP) related services. As for the services provided offline are all services related to Covid-19 handlings, such as the delivery of health equipment to medical personnel and the provision of health protocol supporting tools.
The following session is the time for the Government Policy Observer from UNS, Rino Ardhian N, Ph. D, to provide a positive response for the policies implemented by the Municipal Government of Surakarta during the pandemic. The Faculty Member of the State Administration Science program considered that the Municipal Government of Surakarta has taken appropriate policies in responding to the existing condition.
“From the promptness of the responses is timely enough. From the implementation of KLB status, the Municipal Government of Surakarta is considered the first to do so. Followed by the issuance of Mayor Regulation (Perwali) No. 10 of 2020,” Rino described in the forum.
However, on this occasion, Rino also conveyed that the Municipal Government need to keep enforcing the issued regulations. Currently, people are stressed because of the boredom from staying at home, this leads to people conducted outdoor activities or traveled which creates crowds in public space and needs to be anticipated by the Municipal Government.
“UNS sends its students to conduct KKN which aims to improve the community’s awareness that they are not alone,” Rino explained.
During the questions and answers session, a caller stated that in the market around him/hers, there are traders who are not willing to take the rapid test. This is a homework for the Municipal Government to create a mechanism that requires traders to take the rapid test. The collaboration between the community, government, and other elements are needed to ensure that all efforts will run smoothly. For example, the government can involve the community leaders to give examples to the surrounding environment. Humas UNS/Ratri/Dwi
