Short-Term Solutions and Human Mobility Changes to Control the Widespread of COVID-19 in Indonesia

Abstract

Almost all countries in the world, including Indonesia, have been affected by the spread of COVID-19. As a response, several efforts and solutions have been implemented to avoid the negative impacts of this pandemic. In the context of Indonesia, for example, these include short-term solutions by limiting social contacts and human mobility with national or regional lockdowns. The solutions are surely not an easy way to be implemented in this archipelagic country that has many islands. The initial spread of COVID-19 back in March 2020 had stopped many economic activities in many Indonesian regions, especially in the urban areas. At the end of 2020, when the population mobility was started to be lifted, the spread of Covid-19 became increasingly out of control. Therefore, large-scale social restrictions have once again been implemented, especially in the most populated islands of Java and Bali. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between short-term solutions, human mobility and the spread of Covid-19 in Indonesia. The analyses use data on the trends of Covid-19 cases and human mobility that have been collected by the National Statistical Office (BPS) and the National Task Force (Satuan Tugas/Satgas) on handling Covid-19. The results found that there are strong relationships between human mobility and the increase of Covid-19 cases. Strong enforcement of public policy on how health protocol must be adhering in practices has given a remarkable impact on transmitted diseases on transportation.