Jakarta – Tegal Legislative Council (DPRD) deputy speaker Wasmad Edi Susilo held a dangdut concert in the Central Java city on Wednesday that attracted a huge crowd in violation of COVID-19 protocols.
The concert, held in South Tegal Field, was reportedly to celebrate a marriage and a circumcision in Wasmad's family. Before the concert took place, a pamphlet promoting the event went viral on social media.
Thousands of people gathered in front of a stage equipped with a large sound system and big screens, kompas.com reported. Audience members did not maintain their distance, and many were not wearing masks.
South Tegal Police head Comr. Joeharno said the organizers had applied for a permit but had said the event would have a limited number of guests.
After learning that the event had attracted a big crowd, the police revoked the permit.
"This means that their action was against the law because they did not comply with the initial permit proposed," Joeharno said, adding that they had agreed not to have the police or military guard the event.
But the police did not disband the event. "We couldn't get close to the site considering we did not have enough personnel. Besides, we felt it would be unethical to go on stage to forcibly stop them," he said.
Tegal Police Chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Rita Wulandari Wibowo said the police were summoning the organizers for questioning. She said the police would not issue permits for similar activities in the future.
Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo said he had called Tegal Mayor Dedi Yon Supriyono to reprimand him for holding the event. Dedi had apologized, he said.
"We need sensitivity from leaders. [Events] like that are being limited, not totally prohibited. Let's adapt. If we ignore [regulations], people will act irresponsibly," Ganjar said.
Ganjar said he regretted that a DPRD executive had held such an event and that Wasmad had set a poor example for members of the community. (syk)