Lessons from Quarantine at Kampung Hitu

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS PATI HERIN

To prevent corona virus outbreaks, travelers from a number of cities on Java were quarantined at SMK Negeri 5 Central Maluku, Maluku, as observed on Saturday (4/4/2020). Every morning they do gymnastics in the hot sun. They are witu Kampung Hitu who wander on the island of Java.

The massive waves of mudik (exodus) travelers from epicenters of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is highly alarming for people in villages. Accepting these travelers can mean opening the possibility of the virus, which has killed tens of thousands globally in the last four months, spreading in the villages. However, rejecting them may not be a good idea either. At Kampung Hitu in Central Maluku regency, Maluku, locals have decided to quarantine these travelers.

Standing in rows that extend to the rear with gaps of 1.5 meters in between, 35 people moved their body in unison under the sun on Saturday (4/4/2020). They were travelers having just arrived from several cities in Java. Since the quarantine began the day before, several military and police personnel had taken turns to lead morning exercises to maintain the physical fitness of those undergoing the 14-day quarantine.

The health conditions and complaints of those in quarantine were also recorded. Thus far, no complaints of potential COVID-19 symptoms were found.

After the exercise, a team of nurses from a local community health center (Puskesmas) disseminated information on how to lead a healthy lifestyle, including proper handwashing, social distancing measures and how to manage stress. The health conditions and complaints of those in quarantine were also recorded. Thus far, no complaints of potential COVID-19 symptoms were found.

The quarantine zone was separated from the housing area in Kampung Hitu, which administratively comprises two villages: Hitu Lama and Hitu Mesing. Volunteers in the two villages temporarily use classrooms at SMKN 5 state vocational high school in Central Maluku. Each classroom, measuring 7 meters by 9 m, can be occupied by four people at most under social distancing measure.

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS PATI HERIN

The atmosphere of learning at SDN 15 Ambon City, Maluku on Monday (16/3/2020). For two weeks, the Ambon City Government temporarily stopped activities in schools to prevent the spread of the new corona virus.

All incoming travelers, such as 28-year-old Farhan Wailussy and his wife, are directed to the quarantine zone. Farhan and his wife had just arrived at Pattimura Airport on Thursday (1/4) when he was contacted by a volunteer who explained to him the travelers’ management mechanism. He was asked not to go to his house. All travelers receive the same treatment and everyone obliged.

Family members wishing to meet these travelers are allowed to go into the quarantine zone and be within nine meters to the quarantined people. “I was planning to introduce my wife to my family,” Farhan said, joking. “At first, I did not know how to self-isolate myself as [my family’s] home is packed with relatives. This is the best solution,” he said.

Irma, 24, arrived in Maluku by plane on 31 March, one day before the quarantine zone was opened. She had traveled from Kediri in East Java. She had isolated herself for one day at the second floor of her house. When the quarantine zone was opened, she left her house. “Self-isolation at home is dangerous if you are not disciplined. My family is worried if I stayed there,” she said.

Some went directly to these quarantine areas without being told to do so. Most of the travelers had come from Java.

A majority of mudik travelers arrived in Ambon by sea. Upon arriving at Yos Sudarso Port in Ambon, they were contacted by their families and asked to go directly to quarantine areas. Some went directly to these quarantine areas without being told to do so. Most of the travelers had come from Java.

Two kings’ initiative

Reports of waves of travelers from Covid-19 endemic zones sent fears to people in the two villages with a combined population of around 12,000. Debates ensued. Some residents objected to the travelers’ arrival while others chose to receive them. The division led to tension.

Hitulama King (village head) Salhana Pelu and Hitu Mesing King Ali Slamat met to find a solution. They then decided to establish a quarantine for the travelers. Some 18 youths from the two villages were then appointed to a team of volunteers that coordinates the quarantine in cooperation with Puskesmas, military and police personnel. The villages’ administrations bear all quarantine costs.

“It is highly risky if they self-isolate at their own houses. One house can only have two or three rooms. Sometimes, towels are used by more than one person. Just imagine what the situation looks like,” Salhana said.

Internet access is provided for those who need to work or join online classrooms. Bedding is provided by the quarantined travelers’ families.

The volunteers prepare meals three times a day, in adherence to suggestions from healthcare professionals. All rooms in the quarantine zone are cleaned and disinfected every morning. Internet access is provided for those who need to work or join online classrooms. Bedding is provided by the quarantined travelers’ families.

The quarantine zone is still in need of personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical personnel and volunteers. Currently, they only equip themselves with thin face masks and hand sanitizer. The stocks are depleting. “We have proposed to the Maluku health agency to give up PPE and Covid-19 rapid test kits but we have not received any answer,” Hitu Puskesmas head Hadija Pelu.

Maluku’s Covid-19 rapid response task force head Kasrul Selang said that 4,448 travelers arrived in Maluku between 30 March and 3 April 2020. Tight monitoring on these travelers is necessary to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Kampung Hitu has set an example on how village administrations can play a role in curbing the spread of Covid-19. Village administration’s active involvement is highly necessary when city dwellers choose to travel to their hometowns. “If all villages in Indonesia agree to quarantine all travelers, the outbreak will not spread to villages,” Salhana said.