The Impact of COVID-19 to The Poor People Socioeconomic Condition in Indonesia

Picture 1. Poor People Trapped into Absolute Poverty During COVID. They are the most vulnerable group in the society.

Source: AFP MNCTrijaya

"We are the poor people are not allowed to get sick"

Covid-19 is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that attacks the respiratory system with several symptoms: chest pain, fever, flu, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties (WHO, 2020). 

The prevention method includes regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, avoid close contact with anyone coughing and sneezing, keep one metre distance with anyone, and social distancing through 14 days self-quarantine[1]. This Covid outbreak is very dangerous because spread very fast and high coverage area which is 189 countries infected per 21 March (Worldometers, 2020). 

The total death in in the wold due to Covid-19 per March 21 is 11.402 with total confirmed 275.469, so the ratio of total death compared to confirmed case is 4,1% (John Hopkins Databases, 2020). However, the number of cases in Indonesia is 450 confirmed, 38 death, and only 20 recovered. The death ratio is almost 8,4% (Kemekes, 21 March 2020), the highest in Asia and even higher than average death ratio in the world. 

Due to this serious and fatality, we must put more concern to the most vulnerable people in Indonesia. Many sources mention that the most vulnerable groups are elderly, someone with previous health problems[2], and low immune people. They forget that the fourth group is also the most vulnerable: poor people.  

The high poverty and inequality rate in Indonesia also threaten the Coronavirus spread prevention. Gini ratio[3] is 0,38 and the percentage of poor people is 9,42% or 25,95 million people (BPS, March 2019). High poverty and inequality prevent low income people to access basic needs, including health facility, sanitation, and hygiene. 

Research shows that poor people have low awareness and difficulties in accessing proper hygiene and sanitation (Joshi et al, 2011). Most poor people also not doing social distancing suggested by the government, mostly due to knowledge, awareness, and necessity to go outside for work.  

Self-quarantine for 14 days is good for prevent the virus, but we must remember that low-income people can`t afford necessities without go to work. Quarantine worsen their economic condition as they can`t buy enough food due to job loss.  

Even if they don`t lost the job, their salary is cut in half because of their workplace has decreased income, especially if they work in retail, transportation or tourism sector. Most poor people don`t have saving as a precaution in this critical time. 

They become the hardest hit group of people. The government also lengthen the crisis time into 91 days. Can they afford food and shelter for 3 months without going to work? I have talked with some people that still go to work outside their home in a time like this, they said that they don`t have any other choice because they need money to buy food and fulfil the other necessities.