Coordinating Legal, Political, and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD encouraged artists and cultural practitioners in the region to campaign for public adherence to health protocols during his visit to Yogyakarta on Saturday.
"In several places, some people are still not wearing masks," he said during his visit to the Bu Ageng food stall, owned by actor Butet Karteredjasa, in Mantrijeron, Yogyakarta. "Artists and cultural practitioners can help with a persuasive approach."
Besides Butet, Javanese dancer Didik Nini Thowok, author Agus Noor, and filmmaker Sujiwo Tedjo were among the artists present at the visit.
Mahfud said that while it was good that economic activities had started to ramp up, it should be coupled with mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand-washing.
"Now we see the public conducting economic activities and sociopolitical activities, but health protocols are not implemented as much," Mahfud added.
During the visit, the minister also distributed a total of 2,000 masks for artists and cultural practitioners in Yogyakarta.
As of Saturday, Yogyakarta recorded a total of 1,373 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 37 fatalities.