The last time we interviewed Naya, a student from Indonesia, the country had not yet implemented large-scale restrictions. Now that it has and it’s been 80 days since we spoke with her, we asked her for an update.
“My family, especially my mom, really loves online shopping right now. The delivery guy shows up at my house almost every day.”Q: Hi Naya, welcome back! How’s Indonesia and how are you?
A: Hi there, I’m good thanks! The coronavirus is still here and it doesn’t feel like it is going away soon. Therefore, Indonesia like any other country is slowly adapting to the “New Normal” situation.
The last time we spoke with you, you were doing online classes and your father was working from home, then a few weeks after, Indonesia implemented large-scale social restrictions. What was that experience like for you and your family and what have you been doing since then?
It’s a new experience of course. Suddenly I’ve been staying at home for 2 months and don’t even bother to go out. I also struggled to fall asleep during this period, my record for staying awake is until 6 a.m (it’s ok, I’m working on it now). My family, especially my mom, really loves online shopping right now. The delivery guy shows up at my house almost every day.
Can you explain what large-scale social restrictions are and how they differ from a lockdown?
Large-scale social restrictions are rules that limit citizens’ activities. Residents can still move out of the house but the number of people in a place is limited. In short, this rule is looser than a lockdown. For example, my housing complex has four portals for access in and out but only one portal is opened. Please note that in Jakarta alone this rule has entered into a transition period where malls or restaurants have started to open.
What are the first things you are going to do when the restrictions are eased?
If I could, I want to have a little reunion with my friends. I used to randomly hang out with my friends, decide things spontaneously and just go for it. So I kinda miss that and hope I can do all of that once we are allowed.
Is there anything you will avoid?
People. There’ll always be that feeling of cautiousness around others. Even though the restrictions eased down, the virus is still there so I don’t think we should be too careless. I try to minimise physical contact with other people.
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Is mask-wearing mandatory? Are people still encouraged to stay at home?
Yes. At least in Jakarta, the transition period to the new normal has a regulation stating that you can get a fine if you don’t wear masks in public. People are also encouraged to stay home, schools are not open yet, and buildings or rooms (such as hotels and malls) are limited to 50% capacity.
You’re a student so how has this pandemic affected your studies and your future job prospects?
It affects me a lot. I’m extremely worried about my grades now because I’m so lazy. It’s hard sometimes to keep up with a class where there’s no face-to-face interaction. There are some of my classes that don’t require video calls, so we interact through the university website. It’s not effective I would say, only a few students that pay attention.
Is there anything good that has come out of this pandemic for you though?
Pay attention to little things. For starters, I water my plant every day now and it grows flowers! That maybe sounds like no big deal but it makes me happy to see the plants healthy and beautiful. So does working out, even 10 minutes of work out makes me feel a lot better about myself.
What advice do you have for humans of the future who find themselves hit by a pandemic like this one?
Be grateful. Yeah, it’s kinda classic but it’s true. Don’t complain so much because there are people out there having a tougher time than you. It doesn’t mean you can’t complain, but start to see the bright side of this and be grateful for what you have.
Which 3 items or people are now most important to you?
Family, friends, and technology. (Sorry haha I can’t decide so I generalise all of them)
Naya hopes to be able to get as much experiences as she can in spite of the pandemic, likely by joining volunteer activities and going to seminars. “I also want to learn more languages so hopefully, I can keep the consistency to learn more throughout the year.” You can find out more about her and the COVID-19 situation in Indonesia through her blog, nightimewriter153211359.wordpress.com, or just ask her here using the comment box below.
Follow the latest in our COVID-19 Diaries series here.
If you’re in a country that has been affected by the novel coronavirus and would like to share information about the situation where you’re at, do get in touch with us here.
Other interviews with Naya:
COVID-19 Diaries: The Situation In Indonesia, 111 Days In
Photographs courtesy and copyright of Naya. Interviewer: Sy
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