Indonesians Believe Coronavirus Is a Lie: Covid-19 Task Force Head

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – It's a conspiracy or some made-up concept. That's what a significant number of Indonesians believe Covid-19 is, according to Dondi Monardo, head of the National Covid-19 Task Force.

Doni did not quantify the portion of the population that subscribe to this view but assesses that this puts the majority of the Indonesian public at odds with calls to abide by Covid-19 health protocols. This, in turn, has led to the continued rise in Covid-19 cases in Indonesia.

“There are some people who believe it is a conspiracy, that the Covid-19 virus is made-up or that it is a conspiracy,” said Doni during a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on July 13.

Read also: Indonesia Warns Public About Covid-19 Airborne Transmission

This "conspiracy theory" among some Indonesians has taken shape despite Indonesia's Covid-19 death toll reaching 3,606 people.

Globally, the Covid-19 death count is 571,674 people.

As such, Doni has asked for Indonesia’s public figures and the country’s religious figures to assist in educating people about the dangers of the novel virus, and how to prevent its spread.

Read also: Indonesia Turns to Public Figures to Raise Awareness of Coronavirus Health Protocols

The move would help the Indonesian public to better understand the dangers of the Covid-19 virus while complying with health protocols to stop the virus’ transmission.

“Public figures, namely ulamas from all areas, have been called upon by the Vice President to help with Covid-19 socialization efforts. This way, the Indonesian public will adequately understand the health protocols,” said Doni.

“Everyone must really understand this [the Covid-19 health protocols]. You have to send the message that the Covid-19 virus is like a grim reaper for those who are vulnerable [to the virus],” said Doni.

One of the most vulnerable groups for the Covid-19 virus is senior citizens above the age of 50.

Not a lie

Chairman of the Executive Council of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Said Aqil Siradj said on July 10 that the Covid-19 virus is not a conspiracy or a lie. NU is the world’s largest Islamic organization.

Said called for Indonesians to comply with Covid-19 health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.