Mixed Reactions to Jakarta Plan to Oblige Covid-19 Isolation at Gov't Facilities

Jayanty Nada Shofa & Yustinus Paat
September 3, 2020 | 10:59 pm
SHARE
Health workers setting up isolation cubicles at Tanah Abang Art Building, Jakarta, last May. (SP Photo/Joanito de Saojao)
Health workers setting up isolation cubicles at Tanah Abang Art Building, Jakarta, last May. (SP Photo/Joanito de Saojao)

Jakarta. Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan’s plan to ban self-isolation for Covid-19 patients regardless of their symptom severity has divided opinions, with many sharing concerns on overcapacity at hospitals.

The Jakarta administration will soon issue a regulation that would require all Covid-19 patients, including asymptomatic ones, to be quarantined in government facilities and thus ultimately removing self-isolation at home.

"We are currently working on the regulation regarding isolation in Jakarta. Those who tested positive will be well-isolated to prevent them from spreading the virus," Anies said in a webinar on Thursday, as quoted by Jakarta Globe's sister publication Beritasatu.

According to Anies, the policy is necessary as self-isolating patients have not been compliant. Family members also ignore health protocols and this causes household clusters to emerge. 

Advertisement

The governor has yet to detail the number of patients who have spread the pneumonia-like disease when recovering at home. Nor the data on household clusters triggered by non-complying self-quarantine patients.

Earlier on Tuesday, Anies specified patients with moderate to severe symptoms would be directed to Covid-19 referral hospitals. Those with mild or no symptoms would be quarantined at Athletes' Village, the capital's largest isolation facility.

This had also already been discussed with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), Anies added.

The plan, however, receives mixed responses.

Several factions in the Jakarta City Council feared the regulation would overwhelm hospitals. 

"It is not a problem if our hospital capacity can handle it but this is unrealistic. All this time, hospitals cannot take care of everyone. It is not just Covid-19 patients they are accommodating and this is what self-isolation is for," Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) faction member Johny Simanjuntak said.

Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) faction head Idris Ahmad said putting all Covid-19 patients in isolation is the right move, but may have already been too late. The capital's positivity rate has exceeded 10 percent or twice the amount of the World Health Organization's standards. An estimated 70 percent of intense care units have already been occupied.

If Anies decides to proceed with the plan, there are several things that need to be taken care of. Among them is a detailed scheme for daily wage workers.

"Will they receive any social assistance? Will they be protected from lay off? All of these points have not been put to detail," Idris said.

Idris also warned the Jakarta administration of families unwilling to send their kin away for isolation.

According to Adib Khumaidi, Indonesia Doctors Association (IDI) deputy chairman, the effectiveness of self-isolation depends on the living conditions and supervision. It is almost impossible for people residing in highly dense areas to self-isolate properly with houses built so close to each other. Self-isolation without any supervision by the nearest clinic is also ineffective.

Because of this, IDI supported Anies' plan as long as it does not overburden health facilities and medical personnel. To do so, the gov't can provide non-hospital facilities to house asymptomatic patients.

"It does not have to be a hospital, but a place [where people can self-isolate]. In Athletes' Village, there is a tower that is dedicated for asymptomatic patients. Several regions such as Central Java and East Java had also prepared houses as quarantines for self-isolation," Adib told local online media Detik on Wednesday.

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


News May 19, 2025 | 5:56 pm

Indonesia, Thailand Sign Health Pact as COVID Cases Surge in Bangkok

Indonesia and Thailand sign a health MoU in Bangkok as COVID-19 cases rise, aiming to strengthen pandemic readiness and health systems.
News May 19, 2025 | 5:45 pm

Indonesia, Thailand Sign Health Pact as COVID Cases Surge in Bangkok

Indonesia and Thailand sign a health MoU in Bangkok as COVID-19 cases rise, aiming to strengthen pandemic readiness and health systems.
Lifestyle Feb 18, 2025 | 10:51 am

Is Leaving Indonesia for Better Work Opportunities Unpatriotic?

Frustration over job prospects in Indonesia fuels the viral #KaburAjaDulu trend, with many seeking opportunities abroad.
News Feb 6, 2025 | 11:13 am

Argentina Joins US in Exiting WHO, Citing "Profound Differences"

Argentina's president has ordered the country to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) due to "profound differences".
News Jan 14, 2025 | 5:27 pm

HMPV vs. Covid-19: Key Differences in Risks, Transmission, and Management

Discover the facts about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), its transmission, fatality risks, and how it compares to Covid-19.
News Dec 30, 2024 | 12:53 pm

From Jokowi to Prabowo: 2024 Marks New Chapter for Indonesia

In 2024, Southeast Asia’s largest economy Indonesia saw a change in leadership after Prabowo succeeded Jokowi.
News Nov 21, 2024 | 11:48 pm

Anies Baswedan Endorses Pramono Anung in Jakarta Election

Recent polls indicate that Pramono, a former cabinet secretary, has the edge over his main rival, former West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil.

The Latest


Special Updates 7 hours ago

PLN Startup Day 2025 to Spotlight Innovation and Collaboration in Energy Sector

Since its launch in 2023, PLN Startup Day has made notable strides, with more than 60 energy and tech startups joining the community.
Lifestyle 11 hours ago

One-Month-Old Baby Elephant Thrives at Jatim Park II’s Batu Secret Zoo

The calf was born in excellent condition, weighing 86 kilograms after a 22-month gestation period.
Business 12 hours ago

Indonesia to Impose Export Levy on Whole Coconuts to Curb Soaring Prices

Indonesia plans a levy on whole coconut exports to ease local supply woes as prices soar and processors face raw material shortages.
News 12 hours ago

27 Foreign Nationals Face Deportation After Bekasi Immigration Raid

Indonesia detains 27 foreigners in Bekasi for visa misuse, overstaying, and fake sponsors. Deportation and legal action underway.
Business 13 hours ago

Prabowo Appoints New Tax and Customs Chiefs as Revenue Slides

Bimo Wijayanto, a senior bureaucrat at the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy, will replace Suryo Utomo as Director General of Taxes.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED