Ramadan Begins, Industry Ministry Says Stay Safe or Shut Down, Online Learning
Apr 23, 2020 | AmCham Indonesia
Dear AmCham Members and Friends,
We want to take this opportunity to say to our community Selamat Menunaikan Ibadah Puasa as the Holy month of Ramadan begins. Despite the uncertainty of the current global crisis, we hope Ramadan gives us all time to reflect and share good thoughts with one another. We also urge all of our members and friends to above all stay safe and be healthy during this time.
Late News: Indonesia Airports to Close Down
The government has announced that all domestic air travel will be suspended in Indonesia from midnight tonight until June 1 in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It is unclear what shape the final regulation will take and how exceptions will be handled.
Stay Safe or Close
A number of industries can operate during the coronavirus crisis, the Ministry of Industry says, but only if they follow social distancing rules. The ministry has issued instructions to allow industry players in a number of sectors to keep working, but under the condition they comply with health protocols.
If a company does not comply, the ministry and regional government will carry out socialization on the health protocols. During socialization, a company must temporarily stop operations. If non-compliance continues, an official warning will follow. Ultimately, the harshest sanction is the revocation of the Operational and Industrial Activity Mobility permit (Izin Operasi dan Mobilitas kegiatan Industry/IOMKI).
Coping With the Online Classroom
With most schools and universities in Jakarta shut down even before official rules on social distancing went into effect, the transition has been sudden and uncertain for many. With Large Scale Physical Distancing extended in Jakarta until at least May 22, schools will continue to function online. AmCham held a special forum on the situation on Thursday, April 23, to look at the challenges for schools, students and parents.
A panel of senior educators joined the event, one of many forums AmCham is hosting online during the crisis. Tarek Razik (Jakarta Intercultural School), Stephanie Riady (Sekolah Pelita Harapan), Lauren Clarke (Sampoerna University) and Suzie Sudarman (University of Indonesia) spoke about their experiences and fielded questions from more than 50 participants during the event, which was held under the auspices of AmCham’s Education and Workforce Development Committee. The panel agreed it hasn’t been easy but they are all moving forward.
According to Lauren Clarke, one benefit is that schools are learning more about how students engage online, and how instructors react to the new reality. One participant said, only half in jest, that it is good the government is finally allowing schools to pursue online options without interference. Innovations often emerge from tough times and this may prove to be no exception as elements of online learning will be with us for some time to come, even after schools reopen.
AmCham Cares: WeWork-ing to Help
AmCham Platinum member WeWork is taking part in the #AyoSalingJaga (Let’s take Care of Each Other) program through Kitabisa.com by collecting donations to provide basic needs, masks, hand sanitizer, gloves and other personal protection for those affected by COVID-19.
The beneficiaries are underprivileged people in big cities, informal sector workers and small communities. Distribution will be conducted by local community networks through KitaBisa.com.
AmCham’s Neumann on Indonesia Channel
AmCham Managing Director Lin Neumann taped a segment of veteran TV host Dalton Tanonaka’s Hot Indonesia show this week. It will be available for viewing on YouTube Friday evening at 10 pm.
Hill & Associates – COVID-19 Ramadan Risks
We are grateful to AmCham member Hill & Associates for providing a new report on the potential impact of Ramadan on the pandemic in Indonesia.
Manpower Ministry Seeks Donations
We received a letter this week from the Ministry of Manpower asking our companies to help out during the COVID-19 crisis by proving rapid test kits, masks, hand sanitizer and other equipment. Please reach out directly to the ministry or contact our office for assistance.
Habitat and AmCham Help Healthcare Workers
AmCham’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity and Traveloka, Sheltering Those Who Care for Us, aims to provide temporary lodging in hotels for frontline health care workers. These brave doctors and nurses are often sleeping in hospital hallways at night because their families and communities are fearful of infection. We are asking our companies to pledge a modest amount to help give these workers a decent place to sleep during the COVID-19 crisis.
What is Your Company Doing on COVID-19?
Please let us know what measures your company may be taking in the form of donations and other assistance to help Indonesia during this time of confusion and concern. Contact astari.sutjiningtyas@amcham.or.id with your news. We would like to publicize the ways that our AmCham companies are pitching in.
Now is the Time to Join AmCham!
We are continuing with a full slate of meetings, events and information offered to our community online. But we can only do this through the support of our members. If you are not yet an AmCham member, please join now. AmCham Indonesia is open to all companies with an interest in US business relations and we have many non-American members. We are a community and we welcome you!
The AmCham Office is on work from home status and all face-to-face meetings and events have been postponed. We are having a number of meetings online using the Zoom platform. You will be notified of virtual meetings as they are scheduled.
UPCOMING:
Human Resources Committee – 3rd Weekly Meeting. Via Zoom, April 24, 09.30-11.00 am.
Services Committee – Via Zoom, May 5, 08.00-09:30 am. REGISTER HERE
