Simulation of the COVID-19 handling policy in Indonesia

• Published in: Journal of public health in Africa 2023-05, Vol.14 (5), p.5
• Main Authors: Aminullah, Erman, Erman, Erwiza, Soesilo, Tri Edhi Budhi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: covid-19 handling policy; mixed policy instruments; simulation
• ISSN: 2038-9922; 2038-9930
• DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2233

Background. This study’s background was inspired by the current COVID-19 handling policy, which focuses on the balance of public health and social economy. However, there is a knowledge gap on the dynamic complexity of balancing public health and social economy during the new normal period of COVID-19 handling policy. A system dynamics simulation of the COVID-19 handling policy could be used to understand that gap.Objective. This study aims to uncover the simulation of the COVID-19 handling policy in Indonesia.Methods. This study combined quantitative and qualitative modeling methods with a system dynamics tool.Results. This study revealed 3 elements in the dynamic balance of public health and social economy in the COVID handling policy system: i) COVID-19 and social-economic control; ii) COVID-19 escalation and de-escalation; iii) people’s immunity enhancement. Such a mix of COVID-19-controlling policy instruments has maintained a dynamic equilibrium between easing economic suppression at the expense of worsening COVID-19 and tightening public health resolution at the expense of more economic suppression.Conclusions. The study conclusions are as follows: i) the COVID-19 handling policy worked as a leverage factor in balancing public health resolution and economic interest during the new normal period in Indonesia; ii) experiential creativity to respond to the newly serious public health problems triggered by COVID-19 implies adding public health knowledge; iii) the study’s outcomes imply re-examining the strengths and deficiencies of the entire health system for a better health system.