Firstly initiated by medical workers, parts of Indonesians are also channeling disappointment to the government and public’s response to COVID-19 via social media, and it goes viral. The hashtag, literally saying Indonesia, whatever, is gaining nationwide and international attention.
#IndonesiaTerserah, literally translates as “Whatever, Indonesia,” spreads like a wildfire. Not only gaining recognition from national media, but the hashtag also earns recognition from such international media as Reuters.
Basically, the hashtag delivers criticisms and the expression of hopelessness over Indonesian government’s inconsistent coronavirus response and the behavior of irresponsible fellow Indonesians. Medical workers, which believably to be the first to use the hashtag, are tired of communities who do not seem to care enough to do the right thing to end the pandemic.
Responding to the criticisms, Doni Monardo, the Head of COVID-19 task force, stated that medical workers are currently the most valuable asset in the country. He further hoped that people can be more aware so that they can assist the frontline workers.
Currently, Indonesia has registered 18,010 cases in the country with 1,191 fatalities. Among them, 52 doctors, nurses, and dentists have died from the virus.
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The “Whatever” COVID-19 Response in Indonesia
As a measure of pandemic containment, Indonesia has been implementing large-scale social restrictions for nearly three months. The nationwide restrictions take effect in numerous cities and provinces. In short, the idea is to prevent intercity and inter-province travels.
However, the regulations are conflicting each other as the country has also given permissions for transportation sectors to resume operations since early May. Among them are intercity buses, trains, and planes.
Experts and medical workers argued that this policy will contribute to the spreads of the virus. Especially, when Indonesians are about to celebrate Ied, the tradition demands people to visit their hometowns, resulting in a nationwide mass-exodus.
Although the government has announced that it bans this year’s exodus, these policies might cause confusion. As a result, people have been beginning to travel, as witnessed in various cities in the country.
Another criticism also revolves around public’s decision to swarm shopping centers to buy new clothes. Indonesians have the custom to buy new clothes to celebrate Ied, the end of Ramadan. This act, reportedly, also receives numerous backlashes from other people who have maintained social and physical distancing.
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