By: Raavi Ramadhan ) *
The Corona or Covid-19 virus is believed to have an impact on Indonesia’s economic security , because export and import taps are restricted. B M any shop was forced to close because of slack. But we cannot be pessimistic. The country will remain strong in the economic sector because entrepreneurs remain creative in making money, and Indonesia’s foreign exchange reserves are still sufficient.
The corona virus hasn’t left Indonesia yet. As a result, many are affected, ranging from online motorcycle taxi drivers who are lonely orders because of suggestions for at home only, to hawkers who can not sell in front of the school because of the school at home program . The people screamed and looked for ways to get money. Although there is a blocking corona, but they still play the intellect and enthusiasm in looking for opportunities.
One way to survive in the middle of the corona is by selling the items needed during this pandemic. For example masks, liquid soap for washing hands, and hand sanitizers . Of course, the objects are still traded at fair prices and their distribution is smooth, because the government will take firm action against those who hoard it for personal gain.
When medical masks are forbidden to be sold freely because they can only be used by medical personnel, employers turn to selling cloth masks. There are various kinds of mask models, ranging from rubbery to long-laced. There is also a cloth mask that can be opened in the middle to be filled with air filters or tissue, to make it more hygienic. Many people are interested and buy it up for supplies. This shows that the economy is actually still running and not too hard hit by Corona.
In addition to masks, the PPE alias self-protection equipment in the form of hazmat ( hazardous material ) clothing is also needed by medical personnel. When the amount of PPE stock gets smaller, garment entrepreneurs switch. They no longer sew blouse, uniform, and kebaya. But making hazmat clothes and sold at affordable prices. This benefits both parties. Doctors can get PPE without having to import and garment entrepreneurs also get a decent profit.
Culinary entrepreneurs are also more creative in finding ways to continue to exist, despite the PSBB policy and the prohibition to serve customers who will eat on the spot. They open take away and delivery order services so they can still serve orders and get money. This delivery service can also work with the food ordering feature on the online motorcycle taxi application . So, the motorcycle taxi drivers get orders and entrepreneurs can also benefit.
Policies to stay at home make many people store food at home and do not dare to shop alone at the market. This is used by vegetable and raw material traders to provide delivery services. Customers simply call or send messages through the WA app, then vegetables are delivered and paid for with COD.
There is also a businessman y a ng creatively take advantage of opportunities in the midst of a pandemic corona. He made a hand washing place that can be refilled with clean water. Even though the container is made of used goods, it has been cleaned and guaranteed hygienic. Many people ordered it because it was beautifully decorated and naturally needed to be placed in front of houses, supermarkets, and other public places.
Indonesia’s financial condition will not be shaken because of corona, because in addition to being creative people in finding gaps in getting money. In addition, observers also believe that this country will not experience a crisis for the second time (after the 1998 monetary crisis), because it still has foreign exchange reserves of more than 200 billion. Even though economic growth is slowing, it will slowly stagnate and then rise again.
The economy in Indonesia will not falter easily, despite the corona pandemic. It is precisely in the midst of this situation, there are many business opportunities that can increase profits in the economic sector. For example there are entrepreneurs who sell masks, PPE, hand washing containers, and others. Corona has never crushed the enthusiasm of entrepreneurs and they will always think positively, that the economy of this country will always improve.
) * The author is a citizen, living in Tangerang