VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Today is the 75th anniversary of Indonesia's independence amidst an atmosphere of concern due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Unlike previous years, the commemoration of Indonesian independence day, which was usually carried out with great fanfare, this time has to be done in a different way. All must follow protocols and procedures according to the pandemic. Even for the official Independence Day commemoration ceremony, this time it has to be done virtually.

The atmosphere is indeed depressing, but of course, it does not diminish the continuous gratitude for all today's achievements.

President Joko Widodo, delivering  the State Address to welcome the independence day at the Parliament Building on Friday (14/8) reported  on the state's condition for the past year. When presenting the 2021 State Revenue and Expenditure Budget and financial notes, President Joko Widodo explained the preparation of the allocation for infrastructure development that reached Rp414 trillion. This means that the 2021 State Budget will only focus on accelerating the national economic recovery due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

After 75 years of independence,  Indonesia is now entering  a new phase. This year, the country has to  fight  against an enemy that is different from those in  the war for independence 75 years ago, namely the Covid-19. A lot of health heroes have died in an effort to provide health services in dealing with  Covid-19. RRI as a Public Broadcasting Institution highlighted how at the age of 75, the Republic of Indonesia is fighting  not only against the Covid-19 but also the corruption which might arise as an impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Both of them are dangerous enemies of the country and nation  that must be eradicated. Thereby, the Corruption Eradication Commission –KPK made a number of preventive measures as anticipatory steps based on the mapping of the handling of the Covid-19 outbreak. There are four points of vulnerability for the occurrence of corruption related to the handling of Covid-19, namely the procurement of goods and services, the allocation of the State  and Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget, the provision of donations from third parties, and distribution of social assistance. The KPK has  formed a task force to investigate the use and distribution of the budget for handling Covid-19.

Indonesia is indeed at war against Covid-19 and corruption. The hope is, of course, to create a physically healthy society and eradicate corrupt characters. It's not really light work with the current pandemic conditions. If in the past the people worked hand in hand to expel the foreign enemy, now it is the time to keep hand in hand in facing different challenges.

Happy 75th Independence Day. Long live Republic of Indonesia!