Pandemic Preparedness in Indonesia: The Role of Law and Regulation

Abstract

COVID-19 19 is an infectious disease caused by an unknown virus called corona virus, before it broke out in Wuhan, China in December 2019. In 2005, the World Health Assembly urged its Member States to develop national pandemic preparedness plans. In response to this call, many countries have formulated their national plans. A developing country like Indonesia, face particular planning and other challenges with pandemic preparedness as there may be a higher death rate in Indonesia compared with more developed countries. Within its checklist of legal issues, WHO includes the need to “Identify the advantages and disadvantages of declaring a state of emergency during a pandemic”. The need to ensure that there is a legislative framework for the national plan and that an assessment has been made of the legal basis for public health measures which may need to be implemented during a pandemic, including travel restrictions, school closures, quarantine and isolation, and social distancing measures. That why the role of law and regulation is critical to the capacity of governments to respond to emergencies, lay the groundwork for recovery, and to help communities build resilience against future shock. This study aims to determine the role of law and regulation to face pandemic in Indonesia. This study uses qualitative methods. The results of this study show that there are three main areas which are, strengthening the legal and policy framework for the management of Covid-19 and its consequences, reduce the impact of the crisis on the judicial systems and those seeking justice pay special attention to the most vulnerable groups, especially women and marginalized groups, and advocate the urgent need of life-sustaining law and regulations, to help Indonesia to strengthen its governance and institutions, and to support and invest in a culture of justice to protect the rights and dignity of people everywhere.