Based on the results of a survey conducted by the Widyatama Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) lecturer team, it was found that there is a tendency for concern, anxiety, fear, and frustration in facing the Covid-19 pandemic.
This pandemic has had a significant impact on various sectors, including health, economy, education, tourism, transportation, and many more. Various life problems have also arisen as a result of this pandemic.
In order to provide literacy to the public regarding the national economic recovery program due to the Covid-19 pandemic, FEB Widyatama University held a Community Service (PKM) webinar featuring Candra Fajri Ananda, Special Staff to the Indonesian Minister of Finance, and Sotarduga Napitupulu, Director of Supervision at the Financial Services Authority (OJK), for all undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, lecturers, and economic actors on Saturday, December 19, 2020.
“In the world, only China and Vietnam are experiencing positive growth. The key to overcoming the impact of Covid-19 is discipline,” said Candra to approximately 300 webinar participants.
“The global demand side is largely determined by the development of Covid-19 cases, especially in the most populous countries such as China, India, the US, Indonesia, and Brazil. Global consumption is projected to start recovering, but it will be determined by whether or not there will be a second wave,” added Candra.
Candra explained that the recovery in domestic demand is predicted to be faster than the global economy. According to a panel of experts surveyed by the UN World Tourist Organization (UNWTO), economic recovery began in the final quarter of 2020 and will strengthen in 2021, so optimism is needed in order to emerge from this pandemic.
The PKM event, moderated by Devy Mawarnie, a lecturer at FEB Widyatama, also featured Sotarduga Napitupulu as Director of Supervision at OJK. Sotarduga explained that OJK has taken many measures related to economic recovery efforts due to the Covid-19 pandemic, especially to benefit the real sector so that it can survive, including credit relaxation. In addition, the OJK also supports government programs by regulating the placement of funds and liquidity provided by the government to Himbara, BPD, and Sharia Institutions, as well as supporting interest subsidy programs.
The public needs to protect themselves from illegal investment offers that promise unreasonable profits in a short period of time.
OJK’s consumer service via WhatsApp at 081 157 157 157 continues to operate as usual despite the implementation of the work from home (WFH) policy. According to Sotarduga, there are three main questions that are frequently asked in this consumer service, namely regarding economic stimulus policies, restructuring, and complaints. Consumers are asked to be understanding and wait in line as OJK customer service demand increases.
In addition to Devy, other speakers, namely Gusni, Lia Amaliwiati, Siti Komariah, and Eristi Minda, said that with optimism, we must all work together and share the burden in order to survive and achieve socioeconomic recovery.
Always remember the 3M’s: wear a mask, wash your hands, and maintain physical distance. Because economic recovery is highly dependent on the performance of the health sector. When health recovers, the economy rises. Protect yourself and protect the nation, Devy concluded the webinar.
