The joint prayer from home held on Sunday (11/7/2021) for the people who have passed away and who fought against COVID-19, which was held virtually by the government, also attracted public attention.
By
KOMPAS TEAM
·5 minutes read
In difficult conditions like during the current pandemic, we are challenged to build our spirituality, which manifests in a harmonious relationship with God, fellow humans and nature.
JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Optimism and the spirit of togetherness have become the nation\'s capital in facing the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many health workers have died doing their duties, including government officials and law enforcers, and many have had to be separated from loved ones. This effort needs to be accompanied by strengthening a harmonious relationship with God, fellow human beings and nature.
The joint prayer from home held on Sunday (11/7/2021) for the people who have passed away and who fought against COVID-19, which was held virtually by the government, also attracted public attention. Prayers were led by leaders from every religion in Indonesia. On the State Secretariat\'s YouTube account, for example, the live broadcast, with the hashtag #PRAYFROMHOME, was watched 76,000 times from noon to evening.
In his remarks, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo reminded the nation to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.
"All parties must work together to overcome this formidable test," the President said from the Bogor Palace.
The President also thanked all elements of the nation who always promoted optimism and the spirit of togetherness. This can be seen in various social and economic movements to ease the burden on society.
"Besides making efforts with various physical activities, we also have to make spiritual efforts. Asking for God\'s help so that our burdens are lightened, so that the people, nation and the country as well as the world will soon be free from the pandemic.”
Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas believes that currently, the community is in the same spiritual situation.
"As weak humans, we need the help of the Almighty, the owner of life," he said.
Yaqut also reminded the public to follow the restrictions on worshipping at places of worship and continue to maintain social activities. He also invited the public to implement strict health protocols.
Harmonious relationship
Scholar Yudi Latif is of the opinion that under the threat of COVID-19, everyone can be infected and infect. The virus infects people from all religions and claims of truth, all races without discrimination, all positions without privilege and all superpowers without veto power.
The coronavirus, he continued, brought us back to spirituality by shining a light on our faith. In the Nusantara cosmology, spirituality is a harmonious relationship with the Creator, fellow humans and the universe, which we need to build.
The chair of the Indonesian Bishops\' Conference (KWI), Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo, reminded people not to regard the pandemic as a punishment from God. This situation should be used to interpret the life and will of God behind the outbreak.
Cardinal Suharyo also asked the community to care for and develop a spirituality of hope. The hope in question is related to the belief that God will solve all the problems of the world. To realize this hope, humans must make their own efforts, such as health workers who are struggling to handle COVID-19 patients.
The political elite is also expected to prioritize the politics of solidarity to build the spirit of togetherness in overcoming the pandemic. The head of the Research Center for the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Firman Noor, said that in time of difficulties facing the country, it is better for the statehood and the politics of solidarity to be put forward.
Criticism is OK as long as it is not an empty statement because solidarity is more needed at this time.
According to him, it takes the attitude of embracing all parties in this difficult condition to find a solution. Criticism is OK as long as it is not an empty statement because solidarity is more needed at this time.
A professor at the School of Psychology at Krida Wacana University (Ukrida) and the Advisory Board of the Indonesian Clinical Psychology Association, Prof. Johana Endang Prawitasari, also shares the same opinion.
“It is better for the elites to spread positive things. The elites can ask people to obey health protocols, and maintain their physical and mental health," she said.
A professor of State Governance Science at the Institute of State Administration, Djohermansyah Djohan, also pointed out that local administrations (Pemda) can take advantage of community solidarity as a basis of strength to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The local administration is also required to be a good example during the implementation of emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM Darurat). No regional heads, district heads or subdistrict heads may organize celebrations during PPKM Darurat.
“Leaders are seen not only by their words, but also by their behavior. It [their acts] serves as an example for the community," he said. (INA/REK/MAR/NIA/DEA)
(This article was translated byKurniawan Siswoko).