VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin embarks on a working visit to West Java and Bali from the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on Saturday (December 4, 2021). (ANTARA/HO-Vice President's Secretariat/KT) - 

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin inaugurated the COVID-19 Heroes Monument in Bandung, West Java, on Saturday as a tribute to the people, who succumbed to the COVID-19 infection.

"For almost two years we fought together against the COVID-19 pandemic, and during those two years, we have lost many of our siblings, who passed away in struggle and sacrifice," Amin remarked.

The vice president also expressed his deep condolences over the demise of health workers and the community due to COVID-19. Hence, the COVID-19 Heroes Monument is a historic memorial that Indonesia once passed the great predicament of the pandemic crisis, he affirmed.

"This COVID-19 Heroes Monument is a reminder that our nation has passed a great test. The Indonesian government and people have trusted each other and came through," he explained.

The COVID-19 Heroes Monument is located in the Struggle Monument of West Java complex in front of the Gasibu Field, Japati Street.

Etched on the monument are 281 names of health workers, civil servants, and COVID-19 volunteers that passed away while fulfilling their tasks during the pandemic.

Earlier, West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil stated that the COVID-19 Heroes Monument was inaugurated to honor the forefront workers in handling the pandemic in Indonesia, especially in West Java.

"Our message is do not leave our history behind," Kamil remarked.

The idea of building the COVID-19 Heroes Monument emerged during the welcome plaza construction in the Struggle Monument of West Java complex. Some 281 names of people of West Java are inscribed on the memorial as a mark of remembrance of their services and sacrifice in fighting COVID-19.

As per the vice president's agenda for West Java and Bali, his working visit will come to end on Sunday, December 5. 

After inaugurating the COVID-19 Heroes Monument, Amin opened the 2021 Muktamar (Islamic congress) and Indonesian Muslim Scholars Association (ICMI) 31st celebrations in Bandung//ANT