In order to break the chain of COVID-19 transmission in the capital city, Jakarta Government received 100,000 free masks from Free Mask Wearing Movement (GEMAS). Jakarta Vice Governor, Ahmad Riza Patria (Ariza) led the handover event which carried out virtually with Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Acting Head (Plt), Sabdo Kurnianto and Jakarta Regional Cooperation Bureau Head, Andhika Permata, on Tuesday (9/29).

He appreciated GEMAS's assistance for helping city through collaboration in campaigning wearing mask movement to raise public awareness.

"Thank you GEMAS for providing non-medical masks. Hopefully, there will be other movements similar to GEMAS that can create positive synergy together with government to handle and reduce the impact of this pandemic," he said as quoted from Jakarta PPID press release.

He added that Jakarta Government has also issued an appeal to consistently implement 3M (washing hands, wearing mask, and maintaining safe distance) in every activities. Besides, his side is also consistent in carrying out obligations as a policy maker, such as by carrying out 3T massively (Testing, Tracing, and Treatment) and increasing capacity for various health facilities.

"Let us work together to break the chain of COVID-19 transmission, because we realize the need of cooperation with all elements of society. Our struggle is not over and we encourage all parties to strengthen our solidarity, cooperation, and collaboration to fight COVID-19," he asserted.

Meanwhile, GEMAS Director, Wanda Ponika conveyed, free mask distribution program was carried out because Jakarta is one of the cities prioritized for free mask assistance based on statistical data.

"We distribute non-medical cloth masks that can be used repeatedly, but still can protect us from virus transmission. In addition, cloth masks can be washed and reused. GEMAS program will later distribute masks to millions of Indonesians who need it for free," she explained.

She also mentioned that GEMAS cloth masks had been distributed directly by volunteers together with NGOs, TNI army, and communities, including Anak Indonesia Bersatu, Dompet Dhuafa, West Jakarta Military Command, GMI Jakarta, Slankers Community, Asensi, Speedox Surabaya Community, Korlantas Polri, Polda Metro Jaya, Kerabat KOTAK Indonesia, Bali Beachwalk, FX Sudirman, Park23, Plaza Indonesia, East Java Provincial Government, Banten Provincial Government, and others.

"Total masks that have been distributed are more than 3.5 millions throughout Indonesia. The red and white masks from GEMAS are used by many Indonesian influencers such as Raffi Ahmad, Maia Estianty, Cinta Laura, Baim Wong, Ari Lasso, Prilly Latuconsina, and Kaesang Pangarep.

"Those influencers have participated in campaigning the importance of wearing cloth masks, especially during the pandemic," she stated.