"We encourage the public, scientists, intellectuals, and businesspersons to think again. It is time for us to increase social solidarity toward those affected by COVID-19 and to placate the economic impact," Chairman of the Muhammadiyah COVID-19 Command Center Agus Samsudin noted in a press statement monitored from Jakarta on Wednesday.
Such solidarity can be demonstrated through approaches, including the application of health protocols and avoiding unnecessary mobility to help break the chain of transmission while lowering the burden on health workers.
Members of the community can donate part of their wealth or help to meet the primary requirements of people reeling from the brunt of the pandemic. This entails providing food assistance for self-isolated patients outside healthcare facilities.
"Raise public awareness to follow vaccination and lower the circulation of misleading information among members of the public," he noted.
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Meanwhile, General Chairperson of PP Muhammadiyah Haedar Nasir urged figures to steer clear from making or producing words, statements, and anything that has a negative bearing on the efforts to handle the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination endeavors and fuels a controversy.
Nasir sought empathy and sympathy from all citizens and the nation's elite towards the condition of hospitals and the fate of doctors and health workers.
"I feel sorry for the little people who are finding it increasingly hard to deal with the situation due to COVID as well as the health workers on the front lines that are the last bastion in overcoming the pandemic. The increasing number of cases have made the task of doctors, health workers, and hospitals as well as officers dealing with COVID-19 even more difficult," he pointed out.
On the other hand, Nasir appealed to the public to further strengthen vigilance by staying disciplined in implementing health protocols and following every instruction to handle the pandemic from both the government and religious leaders.
"The problem of this pandemic concerns the safety of the common soul. It is no longer a group or individual business. Just one of the residents is negligent and careless, and it will affect the others," he stated. Related news: Indonesia channels spirit of 'gotong royong' in COVID-19 battle
Translator: Asep F, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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