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A new Jakarta
This pandemic could write a new chapter in history in which we, together as communities and countries, stand together to become healthier and stronger to overcome the virus.
This pandemic could write a new chapter in history in which we, together as communities and countries, stand together to become healthier and stronger to overcome the virus. (JP/ Seto Wardhana )
T
he country’s capital began implementing largescale social restrictions (PSBB) last Friday, with some of its satellite cities following soon after. As the central government has opted not to go for a complete lockdown, the measures for the next two weeks are not too different from what has been in place since President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo called on people to work, study and pray from home on March 15.
What’s now different is that those who violate bans on mass gatherings and restrictions on public transportation and private vehicles will face imprisonment and a fine, as regulated in the 2018 Health Quarantine Law. Individuals and companies alike face penalties, which range from one year in prison and a Rp 100 million (US$6,328) fine to a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment and a Rp 15 billion fine.
To compensate low-income people affected by the restrictions, however, the government has provided packages comprising basic goods and cash transfers.
Legal affairs aside, there is no reason for every one of us to not follow the restrictions. More than punishing offenders, the goal of the regulations is to slow the spread of the coronavirus and reduce the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Greater Jakarta – the country’s virus epicenter – and the rest of the country.
The virus has changed our lives and it is time to embrace the new normal with no more denial and resistance.
For residents of Greater Jakarta, the test will begin with self-restraint and the will to abide by the PSBB. One profound change is that we are not allowed to leave our homes without face masks. There has been an increase of police and military officers patrolling the streets, stations and stores to make sure people follow the rules.
Production cuts and income losses are expected along the way.
The changes only mean desolation if we fail to adapt. Embracing new ways of living, exercising patience and staying positive could inadvertently allow our lives to change for the better, which may bring us to new frontiers and innovations.
The pandemic could redefine the Darwinian theory of “survival of the fittest” for the modern age. Countries, peoples and communities may choose to save themselves, instead of uniting to beat the public health disaster.
Conversely, this pandemic could write a new chapter in history in which we, together as communities and countries, stand together to become healthier and stronger to overcome the virus.
And it won’t be the first time humanity has battled a pandemic. The world survived the Spanish flu in the early 20th century and other coronavirus diseases more recently.
To draw a silver lining from this situation, unlike the people of the past, we are now better equipped with the internet and other technologies that make living in solitary possible. We also have cleaner air and blue skies as a result of reduced pollution due to the restrictions.
Let us restrain ourselves and take care of our loved ones to survive these tough times. Humanity has prevailed time and again, and this time around it will do so once more.
