President Jokowi started a New Normal in Indonesia. A bold move for society and the country?

We must be ready to face a new normal so we can live peacefully with COVID-19. We can't carry out continuous large-scale social restrictions or lockdowns. Economic activity must begin gradually, with better discipline based on health protocols. 

President Joko Widodo accompanied by the Chief of the Indonesian Police and the Commander of the National Army inspect the new normal simulation. (sulteng.antaranews.com)

Many people confuse what is a new normal, a term, and a policy that appears after many countries implement lockdown. President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo chose the Large-Scale Social Restriction (PSBB), not the lockdown as many observers suggested, even by Anies Baswedan, Governor of the Special Capital Region of Jakarta, Jakarta. The proposal was subtly rejected by President Jokowi (the nickname of the President of Indonesia).

Large-scale social restrictions are believed to be more suitable for an island nation like Indonesia, which has a very large population after India. This choice is also based on very diverse customs, social and culture in Indonesia, even the religious traditions also have an influence on the lives of Indonesian people.

From history, we learn, that many new traditions and habits are certain to be challenged, whether from experts, politicians, religious leaders, and from some members of the community. In a precarious condition, especially if it concerns the health and safety of the community and the economic survival of the people and the country, then there is a middle ground that must be taken.

Hard measures such as lockdowns or large-scale social restrictions or similar policies carried out in various countries affected by the Coronavirus, certainly can not be done for too long. A middle ground policy must be taken by minimizing any risks that may arise. The health protocol that will be applied when it is normal must be implemented with discipline, both by citizens and by government officials.

President Jokowi has ordered the Indonesian police and national army to work together to help the local government so that every process of the new normal program can be carried out as well as possible. There is a learning phase that must be passed relating to health protocols, where there are procedures that still exist such as the use of masks in public places, especially if there is a large crowd. We must wash our hands as often as possible, and keep our distance, both social and physical distancing.

Getting the economy back on track and at the same time maintaining the health and safety of the community to avoid COVID-19 exposure is not an easy task, especially since Indonesia has a population of more than 260 million people.

Hard work and consistency of the government are crucial for the success of the new habit called the new normal. The people's representatives in parliament, as well as community leaders, religious leaders, politicians and all parties who are stakeholders must have the same goal, so that the new normal can run normally.

Excessive criticism and prolonged debate in public spaces and social media will make things chaotic and messy. Coordination and productive discussion to find new solutions and the normal implementation of discipline must become a new habit in Indonesia.

Then, what are the comments and reactions of citizens to President Jokowi's policy towards the new normal program which will begin shortly?

It is better if we watch the interview in the following video, so that we get an overview of the new normal implementation in Indonesia.