Disaster Communications for Handling Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Indonesia

Abstract

Communication is an important part of handling any disaster, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has hit Indonesia and more than 190 other countries. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, communication is needed to build public trust and also to prevent mass hysteria. Two first cases of COVID-19 in Indonesia were announced on March 2, 2020. The news was announced directly by President of Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo with Minister of Health, Terawan Agus Putranto. This research explained various measures and policies of Indonesian Government in dealing with COVID-19 pandemic, especially in managing the flow of information and keeping a good communication to the public in order to maintain transparency and prevent mass hysteria. This study was a descriptive, exploratory analysis of all cases of COVID-19 diagnosed nationwide in Indonesia. This study contributes that communication during and after a disaster is an important component in response and recovery. Communication can connect patients affected by COVID-19, families, and the community with medical staff, support systems, and other family members. The availability of reliable information and communication systems is also important in disaster management. The government must be able to ensure that people can easily get information about the development of COVID-19. This can help strengthen the resilience of the community in facing disasters and undergo a recovery period afterwards.