Indonesian Airline Stewardess Restlessness Amid The COVID-19 Outbreak

One of the planes crossing the Indonesian sky (Syamsul Maarif / VOI)

JAKARTA - The outbreak of the corona virus or COVID-19 has spread to almost all countries in the world. Its spread is so fast that it causes concern for all levels of society.

Some countries have even had and had time to lock down, or close off access to and from the country. There are also countries that only give an appeal to their people to do work for home (WFH) or work from home, and social distancing or limiting interaction distances in order to break the chain of spread of the virus which has claimed thousands of lives.

However, there are some professions whose jobs cannot be done at home, especially workers in the transportation sector who require them to always be on their fleets. In this case, one of the professions that must always be ready to serve the community is the cabin crew on the plane consisting of flight attendants or stewards.

Social distancing illustration. (Ilham Amin / VOI)

No doubt, the worries arise from flight attendants, who have to travel abroad in the midst of an outbreak that has affected thousands of people around the world. As experienced by Kania (not her real name) who is one of the airline flight attendants in the country.

He admitted that he was very worried about the current situation, especially when he was still in charge of flying abroad such as Japan, and to Indonesia (Bali) which is also an area with a high risk of being exposed to COVID-19.

"If there is a choice, I would rather stay at home, not get paid nor do it matter. The important thing is that the cabin crew and I are not worried like this," Kania told VOI, Saturday, March 28.

Kania's concern is not without reason. He explained that there were several things that made him anxious about being exposed to COVID-19.

First, it is related to the airline where he works, still serving flight routes to countries or cities that are already positive for COVID-19. The second is related to the preventive protocol, which according to him is still not strict for cabin crew.

"It has only been in effect for the past week, crews can wear disposable masks and latex gloves. Previously, since corona had entered Indonesia for the first time, cabin crews were prohibited from wearing masks while on duty. It was said that they were late, yes, but now, thankfully, they are still permitted rather than not the same. once, "he complained.

In addition, he said, so far many other flight attendants have had to experience one plane with a passenger who is positive for COVID-19. He wondered why people who were positive for COVID-19 could enter the airport and even into the plane cabin.

"Even more disappointed, we (flight attendants) were just notified that there were passengers who were positive for COVID-19, after taking off, and after that we (flight attendants) were only given a few days off to self-quarantine at home without having any health checks. What we want, we are. there is a free corona check, "he explained

As is known, the corona virus spreads like respiratory diseases in general, namely through droplets, mucus, or other body fluids. If the droplets are touched by the hand or then rubbed on the eyes or face, they may become infected.

The virus can also spread through surfaces where the droplets land, such as airplane seats and tables. Some time ago, on February 25, 2020, Korean Air announced that its cabin crew, namely flight attendants, tested positive for COVID-19.

Physical distancing illustration. (Ilham Amin / VOI)

Air transportation observer, Gerry Soejatman, said that airlines in the country actually have to prepare safe protocols for cabin crew in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak.

"Crew must be allowed to use masks and gloves. If possible, the airline provides them. Crew must also be given a hand sanitizer on the plane," he said when contacted by VOI.

Faisal Basri, a senior economist at the Institute of Development for Economics and Finance (INDEF), regretted that the government had provided fiscal stimulus by giving airplane discounts to 10 tourist destinations. According to him, this actually expands the spread of COVID-19 to various regions in Indonesia.

"The whole country prohibits people from gathering and staying away from crowds. The government has even given discounts on planes to get people closer to the source of the virus," said Faisal some time ago.

Kania, as a wife and mother of a child, certainly doesn't want to take risks. He admitted that instead of having to participate in maintaining the company's business rhythm, it is better to be at home with his family, at least until the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.