Language and Education: Government Policy Resistance to 'Lockdown' In Indonesia

Abstract

The use of language in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has become a vital sign of communication not going well and the challenges faced in solving pandemic problems. Communities in Indonesia were hostile to lockdown measures, Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB), and the Enactment of Restrictions on Community Activities (PPKM). Both strategies were tried several times in the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing massive dissatisfaction.  Language using the terms PSBB and PPKM, which has been expanded multiple times without notice to the community and has been inconsistent in its application, makes the community feel mad, has neglected their needs, and has received severe rejections. This study used a qualitative technique with data from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were acquired from electronic media news, which demonstrates popular opposition and government policies published on the official government website. Meanwhile, secondary data were acquired from journal papers detailing community resistance to COVID-19 pandemic prevention policies. The findings revealed that several terms translated from the term lockdown to the time PSBB and PPKM have implications for policy misalignment with community expectations. The transition from lockdown to PSBB and PPKM has sparked popular outrage since it has allowed the government to be economically irresponsible. As a result, the government must inform and be accountable in order for programs to be implemented efficiently.