Authorities in Padang, West Sumatra are launching legal proceedings against a woman who was filmed dining at a crowded restaurant while defiantly exclaiming that she does not fear the coronavirus.
The one minute video of the woman — who’s been identified as 55-year-old Y — showed her dining at a crowded restaurant with her friends, where people appear to be going about their life like before the pandemic.
Pemerintah zalim katanya…. pic.twitter.com/RsyXhsxN8R
— (@genreceh) July 3, 2021
“In the city of Padang, we’re free to eat [out anywhere], nobody is being put into lockdown and there are no restrictions and partitions. See, there’s nothing… Everyone is free… There is no physical distancing,” Y said in the viral video.
“Padang is safe, not afraid of carona [sic], they’re afraid of kolor si Nana (Nana’s underpants),” Y added with a poorly executed wordplay in Indonesian.
Y then filmed herself speaking into the camera.
“Look at this, I’m currently in Padang, dining in at Bebek Sawah restaurant. It’s crowded, there’s no physical distancing, and we’re free. Why are people in Jakarta panicking, don’t panic! Go on, fight the cruel government! Have a good meal all.”
The Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) in Padang summoned the restaurant’s management for questioning after the video went viral, as it appears that they violated health protocols despite a deadly surge in COVID-19 cases in Indonesia. The agency said authorities will slap the restaurant with severe sanctions should it continue to ignore protocols.
Meanwhile, the case has also caught the attention of the Padang City Police, who has since questioned both the restaurant’s management and Y on Sunday.
Padang City Police spokesman Stefanus Satake Bayu Setianto said Y was born in Padang but is now a Jakarta resident. Police did not apprehend the woman, but she is obliged to report to the police while investigation into her case continues. Several of her belongings, such as her cell phone and SIM card, have been confiscated.
Y could potentially be charged with violating articles on spreading misinformation under the Information and Electronic Transactions Act (UU ITE) and incitement under the country’s Criminal Code (KUHP), which could see her imprisoned for up to six years.
After her video went viral, Y has posted a customary apology video begging forgiveness from the Padang City Government and Indonesian citizens in general.
“I made the video as a joke. I apologize to the owner of Bebek Sawah restaurant. Please don’t prolong this matter,” Y said in the video.
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