A similar phenomenon is occurring as the country struggles to contain the spread of COVID-19, which since early March has infected more than 378,000 and killed nearly 13,000. In some countries, the stigma has even developed into prejudice against Asians, simply because the pandemic began in Wuhan, China.

A survey conducted in August by the LaporCOVID-19 (Report COVID-19) community, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Indonesia (UI) Faculty of Psychology, discovered that stigma surrounding COVID-19 patients and survivors did not subside.

Needless to say, ending the pandemic is impossible without addressing the stigmatization and prejudice COVID-19 patients face. To avoid the stigma, many have resisted testing and tracing, refused hospitalization and seized the dead bodies of loved ones from the hospital to prevent them from being buried under COVID-19 protocols.

On Nov. 19, the Jakarta administration will begin enforcing a new bylaw that stipulates a maximum fine of Rp 7.5 million for obstructing measures to tackle contagion, such as refusing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, COVID-19 treatment, vaccination or isolation.

The city government previously issued a gubernatorial regulation that outlined punishments for people who did not wear masks in public and business owners who failed to enforce social distancing in workplaces. The penalties ranged from one hour of community service and progressive fines to the withdrawal of business permits.

But according to the 2011 Regional Government Law, only regional bylaws or higher levels of regulation can legally establish fines.

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