Naya is a university student in Jakarta, Indonesia, 4,166km away from Wuhan, China. She lives with her mom, dad and younger sister, and told us how the Indonesian government’s decision to reduce transportation routes to deal with the spread of the virus might have inadvertently caused new cases to form because of the long lines that resulted.
“My friend almost got harassed on the train and only one person helped. In the middle of this pandemic, there are still people out there trying to sexually harass someone and that is sad.”Q: Hi Naya, thanks for speaking with us all the way from Indonesia! When did you first hear about the 2019-nCoV novel coronavirus and what did you think of it then?
A: I heard it first through news on social media. I saw videos of people in Wuhan, China collapsed on streets or simply lying there. I thought it shocking and worth noticing. But honestly, I thought that it would die down soon.
How concerned are you and the people of Indonesia now? How many are infected or dead because of the virus in Indonesia at the moment of this interview?
Currently, 369 people are positive and 32 people are dead. I am very concerned because the numbers are increasing fast. Mortality level here is very high, more than China and Italy. I can’t speak for all of the people in Indonesia, but some of us care and some of us think that this is the opportunity to go on a vacation.
Who were the first few coronavirus infected people in Indonesia and where did they contract COVID-19 from?
2 people, mother and daughter, first got infected when they interacted with a person from Japan. When that person went back to Malaysia, it turned out that he got the virus. That’s why the mother and daughter got checked to see if they got it.
How did most people in Indonesia contract COVID-19? Can you tell us about the biggest clusters and how those happened?
Biggest cluster is probably the long line of people waiting for the TransJakarta bus until [they spilled out onto] the streets. The government reduced transportation routes so many people piled up on certain lines. Over the past few days, influencers have helped charities and supplied hospitals but there are still people that go outside due to their jobs so I think that could also be the primary cause.
Indonesian Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has been infected with COVID-19. How do you think that happened?
I actually believe that this virus had been in Indonesia for a while. People know that they are positive only because of getting medical check-ups but here in Indonesia we have to go to the hospital IF we want to get checked up. It is not a MUST to go to the hospital. I don’t know for sure how he got COVID-19, maybe because he interacted with someone that is infected but both of them didn’t know.
What is the status of food, water and medical supplies in Indonesia right now? Are there any shortages? What is the plan for those shortages if so?
Fortunately, we still have all of the supplies. People can order food and vegetables through online apps so that is really helping us right now. Supermarkets limited certain things to prevent panic buying.
Have you and those around you done anything to prepare for the possibility that the novel coronavirus pandemic might get worse?
I don’t have a plan. All I’m doing right now is staying at home with my family. If it did happen, I don’t have anywhere else to go other than my home so I’ll try my best to stay inside and healthy.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your life and that of those around you?
I have to do online classes because of COVID-19. I can’t have meetings with my organisation and my show got postponed until November. So it is really affecting my life right now. My friends are all disappointed and sad because we can’t hang out like we used to. My father has to work from home and do all of the meetings [at home]. The time schedule is the worst because there is no clear boundaries between work and break.
What will you do if you or those who live with you develop symptoms of the virus? What do the authorities of Indonesia want you to do?
If that occurs, we have to get them checked immediately. We should go to the referral hospital. Then, that person would have to isolate themselves while waiting for the test. If he is infected, an ambulance will pick him up and take him to the [other] hospital.
When do you think this COVID-19 pandemic will end and why do you think so?
Honestly, I have no idea. If people don’t take this seriously, then this pandemic will continue. I know they found the vaccine, but if people are still careless I don’t think it will end.
What are the best and worst examples of humanity you’ve seen since the COVID-19 crisis broke out?
The best one: Influencers in Indonesia dedicated some of their money to raise for charity to the hospital. They are also giving out safety suits to them.
The worst one? My friend almost got harassed on the train and only one person helped. In the middle of this pandemic, there are still people out there trying to sexually harass someone and that is sad.
Which 3 items or people are most useful for you right now?
They are my family, soap, and internet. ^-^
Where are you answering this Q&A from? Can you describe the situation in your neighborhood right now?
I’m answering this from my house, my room to be exact. My neighbourhood is a school zone yet right now it is very quiet. I don’t see people hanging out on the streets anymore.
Lastly, what have you learned from this novel coronavirus outbreak that you didn’t know before?
The proper steps to wash your hands. I know it’s a common thing, but I didn’t always do those steps before. This novel coronavirus actually made me a better person in terms of hygiene. I’m paying much more attention to small things like wearing a mask when you’re sick, and coughing or sneezing into the bend of your arm, etc.
Naya is presently trying her best to get through this semester via online classes. She hoped to be able to be a social researcher once finishing her degree in Sociology but is presently simply waiting to see. You can read more about her on her blog nightimewriter153211359.wordpress.com or ask her for updates on the situation in Indonesia using the comment box below.
We have more interviews with people in other parts of the world coming up next week. 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: Indonesia, 196 Days In
Photographs courtesy and copyright of Naya. Interviewer: Sy
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