Solidarity Strengthens Hope

KOMPAS/Lasti Kurnia

Volunteers of the Gerak Bareng NGO spray disinfect on each other in Kebun Jeruk in Jakarta on Friday (20/3/2020). Gerak Bareng helps disinfect public spaces such as mosques, schools and residential areas because one of the residents in the area tested positive for COVID-19.

The growing solidarity in the public gives hope amid the threat of COVID-19. The government can facilitate this by providing comprehensive data and policies.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The spread of COVID-19, which threatens public safety, has begun to trigger solidarity from various parts of the community in the form of assistance. This raises hope that people will stand up and work together, turning the communal threats into a shared sense of responsibility to overcome COVID-19.

On Friday (20/3/2020), the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 rose to 369 from the previous day’s 309. The number of fatalities also rose from 25 to 32 people. Meanwhile, 17 patients have recovered.

Amid the continued spread of COVID-19, public solidarity is increasingly needed so that the efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus can be faster and optimal. So far, social movements have emerged from social organizations, philanthropists and individuals where people can contribute finance or resources. The government can facilitate this solidarity by providing adequate information regarding the field conditions when handling COVID-19 and the lack of necessary equipment so that the public can take part.

On the digital platform Kitabisa.com, in the past week there have been at least 219 fundraising campaigns with a total donation reaching more than Rp 6 billion. The amount of donations varies, starting from Rp 10,000.

CEO of Kitabisa.com, Muhammad Alfatih Timur, said some of the proceeds of this fundraising had been distributed to health workers in the form of personal protective gear (APD) and food for underprivileged communities whose family members were infected with COVID-19.

"In the past few days, the Kitabisa.com team has witnessed that our community does not stay silent. This is a community problem, so all of them want to take part and contribute," Alfatih said.

KOMPAS/PANDU WIYOGA

A number of workers make the foundation of an observation room building, which is part of a project to build a special infectious diseases hospital on Galang Island, Batam city, Riau Islands (20/3/2020). The health facility was designed to be able to accommodate 1,000 patients.

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation and several businesses have also raised funds with a target of collecting Rp 500 billion to purchase health equipment and protective gear for health workers.

Companies confirmed to have made donations include Sinar Mas Group, PT Adaro Energy, Artha Graha Care Foundation, PT Djarum, Agung Sedayu Group, PT Indofood Sukses Makmur, PT Puradelta Lestari, and Triputra Group.

The same thing was done by the Kompas Humanitarian Fund Foundation (DKK). Chairman of the DKK Foundation Rusdi Amral explained that his side would launch a movement to help the community in preventing the spread of the pandemic. Among the most urgent matters, according to Rusdi, is providing protective gear for medical workers who are saving lives of patients.

The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) is supporting the prevention of COVID-19 through a fundraising drive to provide 1 million masks for health workers and people in need.

PMI chairperson Jusuf Kalla said that various efforts had been made so that the mitigation of COVID-19 could be carried out quickly. He added all parties, both government and private, must hold hands to respond to the crisis.

KOMPAS/HARIS FIRDAUS

A drone is used to disinfect areas in Malioboro, Yogyakarta city, Friday (20/3/2020). The disinfectant spraying was carried out to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

It\'s time to unite

The chairperson of Islamic mass organization Muhammadiyah, Haedar Nashir, hopes that the spread of the new coronavirus will be an opportunity for the Indonesian people to strengthen the spirit of unity and mutual cooperation. All parts of the nation, without exception, are expected to take part in handling and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

"[We must] develop a mutual understanding and togetherness to face this great disaster. The spirit of mutual cooperation and unity are tested during a crisis like this," Haedar said..

Under such conditions, all parties are expected to work according to their role in society or in the government. The government, for example, must have a comprehensive policy to control the situation. Regional administrations, meanwhile, need to set aside ego by continuing to follow all protocols compiled by the central government.

Those who have wealth, knowledge and skills need to see people around them who are not so fortunate because the systems and structures of society are not in their favor.

Chairperson of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia Gomar Gultom said that what was most needed now was a spirit of sharing and mutual cooperation. Those who have wealth, knowledge and skills need to see people around them who are not so fortunate because the systems and structures of society are not in their favor. "This is the time for us to share," he said.

Catholic priest Franz Magnis-Suseno said the community already had many ideas to carry out social solidarity. However, it is necessary to find the best way to carry out social solidarity amid social restrictions. "I don\'t feel I can give advice. Maybe, just follow the government," he said.

NU Care-LAZISNU chairman Achmat Sudrajat said that from the very beginning, when the government announced there were patients who tested positive for COVID-19, NU had begun to form a task force that included experts and volunteers. There are now around 1,000 volunteers for COVID-19 mitigation from all NU branches tasked with informing the people about social distancing and self-quarantine.

(LAS/SHR/DEA/EDN/FLO/HRS/ BRO/NIK/DIA/VIO/NCA/ZAK/ TAN/XTI/COK/AIN/IDO/SON)