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Edition 27 December 2020
Cover Story
Heroes in the Pandemic
Indonesia’s efforts to mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic have continued to teeter since the disease began spreading in the country in March. The implementation of test-tracing-treatment (‘3T’) that falls far below the World Health Organization (WHO) standards has caused new, increasingly uncontrollable transmission chains. The pandemic rages on, and victims continue to fall. Amid these uncertain conditions, those fighting against Covid-19 stand in the front lines. Contact tracers, laboratory analysts, doctors and nurses, scientists and epidemiologists work hand in hand to curb the spread of the disease. These individuals work hard in spite of various limitations. Often enough, lives are lost.
Cover Story
A Healers’ Triathlon
The Covid-19 pandemic, at first predicted to last only a few months, has not yet come to an end. Doctors are working together to treat patients infected with the new virus, fully aware that they are vulnerable to infection and even death, like hundreds of their colleagues. As of December 24, as many as 224 doctors and 15 dentists had died from Covid-19. While no specific cure is yet available, doctors continue to fight although they could have chosen to leave the battlefield.
Cover Story
Behind the Hazmat Suit
Within the walls of Covid-19 referral hospitals, hundreds of thousands of nurses take care of patients and assist doctors in treating those stricken by the pneumonia-inducing virus. They work for eight to 12 hours every day in their uncomfortably stuffy hazardous materials (hazmat) suit, leaving families behind and facing risk of deadly infection. Until December 23, 4,294 nurses have tested positive for the coronavirus, 159 of them did not survive. The Indonesian Nurses Association said the profession is yet to receive the proper recognition it deserves.
Cover Story
Researchers Grinding Away
The pandemic makes Indonesian scientists go all out in facing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Research, literature reviews, and virtual meetings are being done almost constantly. The situation demands they study and master new techniques.
Cover Story
Endless Shifts at the Front lines
Testing and tracing are vital in the effort to contain the spread of Covic-19. With cases numbering in the hundreds of thousands, health workers tasked with conducting swab tests and analyzing samples in the laboratory face long and grueling work hours, the risk of infection, and with little hope for rest, even on weekends. Tracers face animosity from positive patients, although that is not enough to break their spirit.
Cover Story
Combating Contagion with Data
Wrestling with data, epidemiologists have made analyses which they compounded into policy briefs for the regional and central governments. Some suggestions were executed, but many were ignored. The government is considered to have let pass the golden period in which to handle the pandemic.
National
Jokowi’s New Ministers
Some new cabinet ministers were selected in line with the wishes of President Joko Widodo. Candidates for the cabinet reshuffle suggested by political parties were pushed aside.
National
Papuan Shepherds’ Moral Appeals
Priests in Papua called for the retreat of soldiers and police. They criticize their bishops’ attitude.
Economy
Legal Exit
A number of policyholders rejected the restructuring scheme offered by Jiwasraya. A wave of lawsuits may lead to banks that distributed the problematic insurance plans.
Economy
We Are Ready to Pay Out
Robertus Bilitea, chief executive officer, Indonesian Financial Group
Market Pulse
Market Pulse
An Absurd Exuberance Continues in The New Year
Interview
We Are Always Critical of the Government
Chair of the IndonesiaN Bishops Conference and Archbishop of Jakarta, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo
Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope 2020
Apart from the Covid-19 pandemic that has changed our lives, there are some other events that shape our memories of 2020.
Letters
Time for A Change
Dear readers,
Cartoon
Dressed Up for the Holidays
Photo
Picture Window
Healthy Communion
THE Roh Kudus Church in Badung, Bali, holds the Christmas Eve Mass by applying strict health protocol on Thursday, December 24. The church limited the number of churchgoers who went to the Christmas Eve Service wearing traditional Balinese costumes./ANTARA/Nyoman Hendra Wibowo
Opinion
Momentum for Changes
THE year 2020 is about to end and now the big question is: will Indonesia emerge from the pandemic any time soon?
Opinion
Pointless Cabinet Reshuffle
Without more fundamental changes to his development strategy, President Jokowi’s replacement of a number of ministers will be for nothing.
Opinion
Listen to Papua, Church Leaders
Pastors in Papua asked bishops in Indonesia to break their silence over the violence in the region. Church leaders must push for dialogue and reconciliation in order to end the conflict.
Opinion
Investment is Not Insurance
The decision by the government to restructure the policies of Jiwasraya is a win-win solution for customers, the company and the state. People need to be more aware of the risks of investment.