That afternoon on Saturday, March 28, 2020, the sky in Maumere, the capital of Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) was bright as usual in the first quarter of each year. The atmosphere in the traditional market was just like any other, busy and vibrant like Maumere’s citizens, although the impact of COVID-19 was increasingly apparent.

In the midst of the blazing heat and the bustle of the people, Narto Hayon and his colleagues kept their distance while distributing hand sanitizers to traders in Alok Market in Madawat Village, Alok District. 

Narto, the director of Perkumpulan Aktivis Perlindungan Hak Anak (PAPHA), also joins their team who is providing socialization and education on the prevention of COVID-19 to traders and other market visitors. They emphasize on the importance of protecting oneself and keeping a safe distance.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, PAPHA has been actively involved in efforts to break the spread of COVID-19. Part of this is the distribution of 50 bottles of hand sanitizer, which was produced by the Omah Markonah community in Bogor and 75 pieces of face masks, sewn by self-help institutions. Both were supported by Samdhana Institute. 

Besides Alok Market, the distribution of hand sanitizers, masks and the education campaign were also carried out at Pasar Senja, Wairotang Village, East Alok District.

For most Sikka people, COVID-19 is a new and foreign thing. The protocol prevention actions such as washing hands and wearing masks are not the custom of Sikka people. Thus, there is a need to increase awareness and continuously remind the community. It is not easy, and people need more time to adopt it.

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