FEB Unibos, FEB UI Discuss Covid-19 Handling Strategy in Virtual Seminar
Delli Asterina ~ FEB UI Public Relations Officer
The Covid-19 pandemic that is still raging has prompted academics to learn more about the governmentâs strategy in handling the pandemic. The issue was the focus of the Second Virtual Seminar held by the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Bosowa (Unibos), Monday (22/6/2020).
The seminar entitled “Regional Headsâ Strategies for Covid-19 Handling & Economic Recovery Efforts in the New Normal” presented four governors as speakers: Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, South Sulawesi Governor Nurdin Abdullah who was represented by Dr. Aslam Patonangi, West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno, and West Java Governor who was represented by Rachmat Taufik Garsadi.
Several notable figures from prominent universities in Indonesia were invited as respondents, among them Dr. Beta Yulianita Gitaharie, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Economics & Business, Universitas Indonesia, who served as the first responder.
“I think the governors have followed the governmentâs directives and they have strategies to deal with Covid-19. The main obstacle at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic was a lack of readiness to adapt to the pandemic situation. It is important for us to learn about Covid-19 that can also be trasmitted through the mucous membranes in the nose and mouth and can also enter the body through the eyes. So it is important to protect yourself by complying with the health protocol, such as maintaining your distance, physical distancing, wearing a mask, washing your hands using soap, avoiding crowds, and so on,â said Dr. Beta.
“From the economic point of view, Covid-19 affects all aspects of life, from economic players to households, companies, and the government,” she said.
Furthermore, Beta said, households are affected because economic activity is shrinking. Meanwhile, companies are faced with weakening demand, prompting them to make adjustments and implement the work from home policy due to the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB). This has definitely weakened or slowed companiesâ operations.
“The government must reallocate its budget amid an economic slowdown as more and more companies implement work from home arrangements and conduct layoffs that send more people into poverty. This means the government should prepare a social safety net and, most importantly, maintain price stability. If supply decreases, prices will increase, and we must keep the prices of basic necessities stable. For MSMEs, there are two types of business, offline and online. MSMEs should be encouraged to switch to online mode of doing business. This can be done by educating them about online business. They also need financing and hold sales promotions to go online. I think universities through their faculty of economics and business can play a role in supporting MSMEs,” Beta said. (hjtp)
(lem)