Health

Jakarta Is Latest City Hit By Covid-19 Panic Buying, As President Urges People To Stay Calm

Panic Buying Starts In Jakarta After Indonesia Reports First Covid-19 Cases

For weeks, Indonesia seemed untouched by the spectre of Covid-19. Turns out, that was just the calm before the storm, as soon after the Indonesian government announced the country’s first two Covid-19 cases on Tuesday (3 Mar), locals in Jakarta swarmed the supermarkets.

As the panic buying commenced, Jakarta residents filled trolleys with toilet paper and other basic necessities.

Source

Empty shelves & overflowing trolleys in supermarkets

Just like the panic buyers in Singapore, and in other countries such as Thailand, the prized items that people were stockpiling included packs of instant noodles and bags of frozen food.

Source

A man was even loaded boxes of Indomie into his trolley. Yes, not packs, but boxes.

Source

People were also quick to get their hands on multiple sacks of rice.

Source

Long queues at the supermarkets seemed to go beyond the furthest point the eye can see.

 

Source

Of course, supplies like hand sanitisers and antiseptic cleaners were hot favourites.

Source

President Joko Widodo speaks against panic buying

The situation got so bad that Indonesian President Joko Widodo, or Jokowi as many call him, spoke out against the panic buying on Tuesday (3 Mar), reported Channel NewsAsia (CNA).

Assuring citizens, he said:

The government guarantees the availability of basic commodities and medicines.

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto, added that the Indonesian government is instructing retailers to ration some products to stop hoarders.

At the same time, they are working with pharmaceutical companies, distributors, manufacturers and retailers to ensure goods and medicines remain available and affordable, he said.

Stay calm, don’t hoard

The Covid-19 outbreak may be distressing, but what matters most besides keeping healthy is staying calm.

We should avoid irrational actions like panic buying and stockpiling items, as there’s enough to go around for everyone.

Do buy only what you need so that there’s more for the rest.

Featured image adapted from Tribun News and Twitter.

Arista Lim

Arista is a spicy food and karaoke enthusiast. Also really into tea, especially oolong or tieguanyin.

Recent Posts

HDB households will get first U-Save & S&CC rebates in April to offset utility bills

The rebates will be credited directly into the accounts of eligible residents.

28 Mar 2024, 7:16 pm

Customer finds needle in taro ball, Beans Factory S’pore suspends use of contaminated ingredient

Fortunately, the customer managed to spot the sharp object before swallowing it.

28 Mar 2024, 6:26 pm

Woman allegedly molested at Orchard club, says boss dismissed incident

Police investigations are ongoing.

28 Mar 2024, 6:02 pm

JUMBO Academy launched to nurture S’pore F&B talents, will offer internships, scholarships & upskilling courses

Some 1,000 students will benefit from a partnership with ITE over the next three years.

28 Mar 2024, 5:37 pm