Kaleidoscope 2020: Like Suspending Death In The Middle Of A Pandemic

JAKARTA - Dina, 26 years old, complained about her limitations in finding entertainment facilities in the middle of her job as a private school teacher in Jakarta. For most of 2020, conditions were like suspended animation, according to Dina.

"In 2020, Jakarta is like suspended animation. I can't play freely anymore as usual because many entertainment venues are closed. PSBB in Jakarta makes it difficult for me to get together with my friends," said Dina to VOI.

Since COVID-19 entered Indonesia, the government has made a policy to restrict community mobilization in activities. Especially in DKI, the Governor of DKI Jakarta implemented a large-scale social restriction (PSBB) for the first time since April 10.

During the first PSBB period, Jakarta's glitter was almost dim. All entertainment venues are closed. People are prohibited from gathering more than five people. Companies other than the 11 essential business sectors are required to implement work from home (WFH).

Then, restaurants are prohibited from serving meals on the spot. Four-wheeled vehicles are limited to 50 percent, online motorcycle taxis are prohibited from carrying passengers, and public transportation operating time is limited. The entry and exit permit (SIKM) is a requirement for citizens to travel from and outside Jakarta.

Economic conditions began to weaken. The community complained about reduced income until they were dismissed from their jobs. Social assistance began to be distributed in the form of basic necessities.

Seeing the public's screams that the economic condition of the capital was plummeting, restrictions in the capital began to be relaxed on June 5 with the transitional PSBB policy. However, the PCR swab test or rapid test is a requirement for someone to travel outside the city.

The activities that were reopened from the social and cultural sector were outdoor sports facilities, museums, galleries, libraries, parks, RPTRA, and beaches. Then, offices and houses of worship also reopened. Online motorcycle taxis are again allowed to carry passengers.

Gradually, Anies began to allow the operation of offices, markets, malls and shopping centers other than those providing food during the PSBB transition period. Restaurants are also again allowed to serve on-site meals. All these places are allowed to only accommodate 50 percent of the total existing capacity.

The easing of the PSBB actually made a number of residents forget themselves. Many people are indifferent to health protocols. Coupled with the increasing number of residents who fill the Independence Day holiday in mid-August with a vacation.

As a result, a spike in COVID-19 cases occurred. The hospital for patient care and isolation of COVID-19 is almost full. Thus, Anies decided to pull the emergency brake by tightening the PSBB again on September 14.

In this second phase of PSBB, Anies allowed the company to operate with a maximum employee limit of 25 percent. The restaurant is again forbidden to serve meals on the spot. All entertainment venues were closed again.

Seeing that the rate of spread of COVID-19 has begun to decline slightly, the transitional PSBB in DKI has been in effect since October 12 until now. Offices are again allowed to accommodate 50 percent of employees.

Restaurants, restaurants or cafes have been allowed to serve dine-in until 21.00 WIB. Customer capacity is limited to 50 percent, the distance between tables and chairs is at least 1.5 meters, except for customers with 1 domicile.

Live music performances are allowed. However, visitors are required to sit on spaced chairs, not standing or on the floor, and not causing a crowd.

All outdoor entertainment venues (outdoor) or recreation areas are again allowed to operate with a maximum of 25 percent capacity. Water tourism such as swimming pools, which was previously prohibited, has now been allowed to reopen. A number of indoor activities that were previously banned, such as cinemas, seminars and wedding ceremonies have been allowed to operate.

However, until now, types of entertainment activities such as discotheques, nightclubs, spas, massage parlors, music concerts and karaoke are still not allowed to operate. This location is considered the most vulnerable in spreading the corona virus.

The nightlife businessman was unable to do anything else, after repeatedly asking the government to allow the operation but it was still rejected.

Towards the end of the year, the COVID-19 cases in DKI are still not under control. In fact, the average number of new cases per day in the capital city is over 1,500 cases. However, there are no plans to tighten the PSBB period.

However, now the government requires the public to carry out a rapid antigen test or PCR swab before traveling ahead of the year-end holiday season.

Now, all people have their hopes in the vaccine plan in Indonesia, including the citizens of Jakarta. They hope that immunity immunity after vaccination can bring down to zero cases of COVID-19. So, the atmosphere of the capital city can be enjoyed again.