Greetings, Elbow Replacement For Handshake In The Middle Of The Corona Outbreak

Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani and former vice president Jusuf Kalla (Photo: Instagram @jusufkalla)

JAKARTA - The outbreak of the Corona virus or COVID-19 has an impact on people's sense of concern. Preventive steps were taken, by using masks and maintaining cleanliness. In fact, several officials within the Presidential Palace also gave examples of 'Salam Elbow' as a substitute for a handshake, as well as a way to avoid direct contact.

Elbow greetings began to become a conversation after a video recording was circulated showing Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Islamic Economics Expert Association (IAEI) Jusuf Kalla meeting Vice President Ma'ruf Amin.

They do elbow greetings or are known as Corona greetings, and aim to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. However, there are those who think that the elbow salute is not good enough because it reduces respect for someone, especially in Indonesia which adheres to eastern customs.

Sociologist Musni Umar thinks that this kind of greeting does not look good to be applied in Indonesia, which is a country with Eastern customs. Because, there are other ways to shake hands that look better, for example with a heart greeting that places your palms on your chest, while slightly resting your head.

He considered, instead of bringing up games like this, state officials should focus on handling and preventing the spread of the Corona virus which has a major impact on Indonesia.

One of the highlighted state officials, namely, Sri Mulyani. According to him, it would be better for the Minister of Economy to find a solution so that the Indonesian economy can improve amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

"It is clear that instead of bringing up the gym, it is better to focus on fixing what is currently a problem. For example, the issue of the rupiah exchange rate which is constantly decreasing," Musni said when contacted by VOI, Friday, March 13.

The Chief of Presidential Staff (KSP) Moeldoko said that the elbow greetings that are now widely practiced in the Palace environment as well as other state officials are a positive thing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Moreover, the virus has now been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).

"Yes, I think that's a good way because basically we both don't know if we enter the area. Shaking hands are a risk, but if you do this, no one will be offended even though it's a bit funny, but that's good," said Moeldoko at the Complex. Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday, March 12.