JAKARTA (April 20th 2020) - Minister of Social Affairs Juliari P. Batubara conveyed his condolences for the death of Yulie Nuramelia (43 years), a resident of Lontar Baru Village, Serang District, Banten, who died on Monday, April 20th 2020 at around 15.00 WIB. The death of Yulie Nuramelia was reported due to hunger and was only able to consume refill gallon water for two days.


Responding to this, Minister of Social Affairs Juliari said that the Regional Government is the front guard for its citizens. "I can't possibly know the cause if I don't check it directly. It is the local governments that have to be at the forefront of their citizens," said Minister of Social Affairs Juliari when contacted by merdeka.com, Tuesday (21/4/2020).


Minister of Social Affairs Juliari also stated that until now social assistance continues to be distributed throughout the region in order to ease the burden on the community due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.


Until now, Lontar Baru Urban Village said that they still cannot confirm the cause of Yulie Nuramelia's death, whether due to hunger or due to other factors. However, based on reports from the medical team, the deceased was confirmed not to have died due to exposure to COVID-19.


Lontar Baru Urban Village Head, Dedi Sudradjat added that if the Urban Village does not receive reports regarding people who are starving during the COVID-19 pandemic.


"I don't know for sure the cause, but the doctor said it wasn't COVID-19. (Stifling hunger) I don't think so. The public health center said he died on the street. Not (died) of starvation either," he explained.