Depok Residents Fight Against Outbreak

KOMPAS/PRADIPTA PANDU MUSTIKA

Banners contain information about the restrictions on guests in a housing complex in the village of Pasir Gunung Selatan, Cimanggis District, Depok, Wednesday (8/4/2020). Public awareness and participation at the grass root level is very important to break the chain of distribution of Covid-19.

On March 2, more than one month ago, the first two positive COVID-19 cases were announced by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. The two patients, who happened to be mother and daughter, lived in the city of Depok, West Java. Since then, residents of the city of Depok have been trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which is caused by the novel coronavirus.

After that, local residents set up an initiative to create Kampung Siaga COVID-19 (Covid-19 Alert Village) in 924 community units (RW) across 11 districts and 63 neighborhoods in Depok. Based on data from the Depok city administration, since mid-March until Thursday (9/4/2020), as many as 878 Kampung Siaga COVID-19 have been formed, or about 95 percent of the target.

Also read : Lessons from Quarantine at Kampung Hitu

Alfreds Tuter, 27, is one of the residents who enthusiastically promoted Kampung Siaga COVID-19. The resident of Pasir Gunung Selatan district, Cimanggis, Depok, together with his neighbors, set up a task force called Kampung Siaga COVID-19 after receiving direction from local officials.

To encourage the establishment of the task force, the Depok city government provides Rp 3 million (US$209.46) to each RW under its administration. The cash is used to finance a number of activities, including sterilization of public and social facilities at the RWs by spraying disinfectants.

"Before the Kampung Siaga COVID-19 was established, we had taken the initiative to block access to residential complexes. So, we just need to continue, " Alfreds said.

Also read : Behind the Hand Sanitizer and Face Mask Price Hike During the COVID-19 Outbreak

KOMPAS/PRADIPTA PANDU MUSTIKA

Residents close one of the roads in the Pasir Gunung Selatan Village, Cimanggis District, Depok, Wednesday (08/4/2020). Public awareness and participation at the grass root level is very important to break the chain of distribution of Covid-19.

Promote self-isolation

Not only closing roads in a number of residential complexes and making disinfectants, residents also disseminate information related to the importance of self-quarantining for residents who have routine activities commuting to Jakarta. Residents who have just returned from out of town are required to report their health and travel history to the leaders of neighborhood units (RT) or RW.

Alfreds and his neighbors have since March also been producing home-made sanitizer. Materials used include ethanol, glycerol and hydrogen peroxide. They are accompanied by a resident who is a doctor.

Also read : Physical and Mental Health During COVID-19

In accordance with a circular letter issued by Depok’s mayor, Kampung Siaga COVID-19 has a number of duties, such as promoting healthy living, activating security systems, creating residents’ health information systems, activating logistical barns and fostering resident participation.

Residents who have just returned from out of town are required to report their health and travel history to the leaders of neighborhood units (RT) or RW.

All of these efforts are needed because until Friday (10/4) there were 83 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Depok. Of the total, 10 people died and 11 others have recovered

The Kampung Siaga COVID-19 movement was initiated by involving a social institution, Sekolah Relawan (Volunteer School). This institution initiated the Kampung Siaga COVID-19 program in the Beji National Park, Depok, on March 18.

The CEO of Sekolah Relawan, Dony Aryanto, said the institution, which has more than 1,000 volunteers and acts as a community facilitator, runs the COVID-19 prevention and treatment program.

KOMPAS/PRADIPTA PANDU MUSTIKA

Disinfectant booths were built to sterilize residents who will enter the housing complex in the Pasir Gunung Selatan village, Cimanggis District, Depok, Wednesday (8/4/2020).

Online market

Food security is also part of the city\'s efforts to make its residents comfortable amid social restrictions. Ayu Adhelina, 28, for example, only needs to use the WhatsApp application to order staples at one of the traders in Sukatani Market, Cimanggis. On Thursday, Ayu ordered tempeh, tofu, eggs, fish and vegetables, as well as a number of spices .

After the bargaining process and the price were agreed upon, the merchant sent Ayu\'s orders through an app-based motorcycle taxi service. Motorcycle taxi costs were paid by the buyer. About 15 minutes later, the order arrived at Ayu\'s home in Kelurahan Sukamaju Baru, Tapos.

"In the online motorcycle taxi application, there are features promoting online shopping for basic necessities. However, it feels more convenient to order directly from the merchant. We can see the quality of the merchandise,” she said.

Also read : Finance Needs to be Well Arranged so that the “Work from Home” Policy will not Cause an Increase in Spending.

The online market system was developed by the trade and industry department of the Depok city administration. In addition to Sukatani Market traders, traders in a number of other markets are also connected with consumers, including from Cisalak Market, Pasar Agung, Pasar Kemiri, Pasar Tugu, Musi Market and Depok Jaya Market.

The shopping mechanism for the online market is done by contacting traders directly via cellphone at the number that is available on the Depok city administration’s social media account.

In addition to Depok city, online markets that can keep people at home when implementing social restrictions are also available in Jakarta and Tangerang Raya, Banten. The empowerment and the participation of the people at the grassroots level in each neighborhood is quite important in efforts to reduce panic and overcome the COVID-19 outbreak.