Indonesia in a state of denial over Covid-19

HOW our leaders react to the Covid-19 outbreak will determine, for the most part, its severity.

Quick action by the governments in Singapore and South Korea to prevent a national health disaster and buffer their economies should be seen as exemplary models on how to manage the crisis.

In sharp contrast, Indonesia has failed this critical test of leadership. Nearly three months into the crisis, Indonesians still work in their offices, visit malls, go to the movie theatres, eat out in restaurants, pray at the mosques and roam markets as if the virus has magically decided not to infect the country.