Habib Rizieq’s Activities Trigger Crowds to Increase the Potential of Covid-19 Transmission
By: Abdul Razak) *
The return of Habib Rizieq Shihab (HRS) to Indonesia was marked by chaos at Soekarno Hatta Airport, because there were thousands of people who were determined to pick him up. Even though there have been warnings for them to comply with health protocols, they are still being violated. When there are flocks of HRS fans, it is feared that there will be a new corona cluster.
Thousands of people welcomed Habib Rizieq when he came to Indonesia, last November 10. They clearly violated physical distancing but did not pay attention to the protocol. Even though you have worn a mask, it is still dangerous because the corona can be transmitted through stuffy air, like the situation at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport which is crowded with them.
This situation is getting worse because Rizieq Shihab refuses to carry out the self-return test and a 14-day quarantine, because he has already done it in Arabia. Even though there could be transmission on the way. The masses of HRS supporters were also not afraid to approach, they even came in droves from outside Jakarta, to shake hands with him.
After getting off the plane, HRS returned to his house and was still accompanied by his supporters. The situation around the house is so crowded. They seem to forget that it is still a pandemic, and for the sake of seeing their idol even at a glance they are willing to violate health protocols. Does love blind one’s own safety?
The quarantine that was rejected by HRS was aimed at saving the lives of himself and his family. But when he refused, the masses should have reminded him, not supported him. If he is corona positive and transmits it to the thousands of supporters who meet him, then the number of Covid-19 patients will increase dramatically. This situation is truly dire.
The governor of DKI Jakarta held an audition at HRS’s house and it seemed that he was not afraid of being infected, because now everyone could have an OTG status. Although Anies reportedly came there to persuade HRS to take a swab test, he should have set an example by waiting 14 days. Or contact him by phone or WA.
HRS was still acting by planning to attend the Prophet’s birthday. Even though we know that he still has many supporters and there is a tradition of shaking hands. During a pandemic, this activity is certainly prohibited. Both HRS and the people who came at the event should know themselves and refrain from making a crowd, out of respect for the pandemic.
After making a scene with his arrival, which was welcomed by the masses, HRS still asked for permission to organize a wedding ceremony for his son, Najwa. Permit has been issued on condition that it meets the health protocol, namely a maximum of 35 invited people. Everyone must also wear a mask and hand sanitizer. Everything is done for the safety of many people.
If a crowd will come there with the intention of giving gifts to the bride and groom and then being kicked out by the security forces, don’t be hurt. Not mean to be malicious, but this event should take place in private. HRS does have a lot of fans, but it is better if it knows itself and not invite thousands of people, so as not to cause a new corona cluster.
Don’t even deliberately violate health protocols because you have subjective reasons for hating the government. Remember that if only 1 person gets corona it can infect thousands of other people. What if someone is infected with the Covid-19 virus and their life is not saved, do you want to be responsible?
As a public figure, HRS should know themselves and conduct private events. Don’t even deliberately make a grand wedding reception or attend a commemoration event that invites many people, because it will invite the masses. Always remember to adhere to health protocols and maintain distance between people, if you want to survive the Covid-19 virus.
) * The author is a citizen living in Makassar
