Jakarta, IO – A viral video on social media alleged that the concrete fence of a mini stadium in Kepahiang regency, Bengkulu, collapsed when President Joko Widodo’s helicopter landed.
In response, the Presidential Palace gave an explanation. According to detikcom, Friday (21/7), Presidential Secretariat’s Protocol, Press and Media deputy Bey Machmudin said that the helicopter was not carrying President Jokowi. He explained that the helicopter was carrying out a test landing.
“The test landing was carried out in preparation for the President’s working visit to Kepahiang regency,” said Bey.
Bey also clarified that during the visit yesterday, President Jokowi did not use a helicopter but travelled by land.
Nevertheless, he said Jokowi had ordered Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono to repair the stadium. Bey stressed the helicopter’s landing had been conducted according to standard operating procedure (SOP).
“The helicopter landed within a safe distance, namely 50-70 meters from the nearest building,” said Bey.
The mini stadium in Kepahiang regency has just been built with a budget of Rp800 million. Kepahiang Regency Legislative Council (DPRD) chairman Windra Purnawan previously explained that the concrete fence had collapsed due to the strong wind generated by the helicopter’s rotor downwash.
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Windra explained that the mini stadium was a project of the Bengkulu Province Youth and Sports Agency which was built in November 2022 and had just finished construction this year. The stadium has not been handed over to Kepahiang regency.
“We are also surprised, it collapsed due to wind peoduced by helicopter landing? The structure may have been shoddily constructed,” said Windra. (rr)