“This is in line with what President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo said: social solidarity and communal work are this nation’s primary strengths to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic,” Budi said.

To elaborate on specific elements of inter-stakeholder collaboration, Budi said village and subdistrict administrators could spearhead the dissemination of accurate information on how to prevent the illness, for instance.

These administrators could then work hand-in-hand with activists in working closely with villagers to further disseminate accurate information regarding illness prevention and symptoms we should watch out for.

Budi said he regarded accurate information a key to collective action against COVID-19. “The government has already provided comprehensive data, information and public education materials,” he said, adding that they were ready for use for various stakeholders working across Indonesian villages.

“Furthermore, the availability of comprehensive information regarding the illness to the public will help alleviate controversy and panic among the public. Using these information, village administrators and activists could also help calm villagers down amid the pandemic,” he explained.

Armed with accurate information and knowledge, village administrators and activists could mobilize villagers to conjure up collective action to prevent the illness and take rapid actions to help those who have already been infected by COVID-19 and their families, according to Budi.

“Now is the time for us to join forces in fighting COVID-19; this nation is resilient and has a fighting spirit. Together with the COVID-19 accelerated handling task force, we can face the pandemic hand in hand,” he said.

Finally, Budi also called on the public to stay calm yet vigilant against the spread of COVID-19.

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