Indonesia - Taking Action Against Stigmatization

Network e-Bulletin, April 2020, No. 5

Message from Lidia Naibaho

2011 Graduate

Lidia is currently studying Sustainable International Agriculture at the University of Göttingen, Germany

https://gyazo.com/1ade3c05316dc5682e0aa766fbf5a4af

Lidia staying in her room

Warm greetings from sunny Göttingen, Germany. I am fine, staying in my room most of the time now. Classes have been canceled for three weeks and we're still waiting for information about when the summer semester will start. Most shops, cafés, and restaurants are closed, and the library, schools and campus are also closed. I really hope all the ARI family are fine. I will share some of my thoughts and activities now. It’s a long writing though. Hee-hee.

Now I more worried and concerned about Indonesia and my hometown. I read the news and get information from family and friends. In my small hometown, there are two people that tested positive for COVID-19 and the community is increasingly worried and panicked.

One of the most worrying aspects of the current situation is the emergence of stigmas associated with those suffering from COVID-19, which affect not only the individual who is sick, but also all the other members of the family who have come in contact with the ill person. Several cases have happened. One of the relatives of an infected patient has been stigmatized by his surrounding community. He was ostracized by his neighbors, insulted, and some people even threatened to drive him out of the village. In other places, residents refused the burial of a COVID-19 victim in a public cemetery. This stigma arises because there is still a lack of information about this virus and because of the many false rumours and hoaxes circulating on social media. The stigma is very detrimental to those suffering from the virus and their families. In some cases, the families have experienced difficulties in going out to buy food and essential supplies.

https://gyazo.com/e392bd27b26a974553bf4256832184fd

Providing village health care workers with appropriate medical clothing

Another problem is that many hospitals and village health centres do not have adequate facilities to treat their patients. In some cases the medical staff use non-standard face masks, and at village health centres nurses and doctors use thin raincoats as a substitute for the correct medical clothing. This situation is worrying.

Distributing masks to the community

I want to share this too. Because of my worries and my desire to help the community there, even though I am in Germany, I built an initiative for my hometown in the Dairi District. On March 27, I called some young friends based in Indonesia and together we started a fundraising movement called “Dairi We Care.” We are collecting donations to help provide medical equipment for the doctors and nurses working in the hospitals and village health centres. We are also providing simple hand washing facilities in crowded places such as traditional markets and bus stations. Through various ways, such as local radio and banner advertisements, we encourage the village communities to maintain cleanliness, implement social distancing, consume nutritious food, follow medical instructions. Most importantly, we educate society to STOP the STIGMATISATION of patients suffering from the virus, those thought to have the symptoms, and their families. This youth team is working hand in hand with local government agencies and local NGOs. I, as much as possible, am using my network and coordinating my friends to collect donations and supplies.

So that is my story. Stay safe and take care, everyone.

https://gyazo.com/2782cd692939386d0ed5a203ba68f79c

Hand washing station