Investigating the COVID-19 self-isolation policy and its impact on socioeconomic of vulnerable groups: An application of rational and non-rational thinking models

Amirudin, A.; Saputra, J.; Afrizal, T.; Latip, M.; Tarmizi, A.

The spread of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues in impending world public health and bringing considerable human suffering. The present study investigates the vulnerable groups’ reaction from informal sectors to the execution of the self-isolation policy of COVID-19 in Semarang City, Indonesia. This study is designed using a qualitative method with an ethnography approach. Using the binary opposition thinking pattern pioneered by Levi-Strauss, this study conducts the interview process with 25 informants in Semarang City. The data analysed using the response pattern of informants. We use the taxonomy analysis and finds three levels of vulnerability group;(a) jobs lost, (b) income decreased, and (c) delayed salary. The result of the analysis found that the group that obeys self-isolation is a rational thinking model. They stay at home, do not go to work, and no income. Also, the group who ignored self-isolation is a non-rational thinking model. They work, as usual, get their salaries, and believe that Covid-19 is a disaster;they pray for their safety to God. In conclusion, COVID 19 brings an economic impact on vulnerable groups in the forms of postponing, declining, and missing income. Even its circumstances are worse when self-isolation is forced. Thus, this study suggests that the government needs to assist vulnerable groups by focusing on strategic policies, such as strategies for survival, providing access to basic needs, and livelihood plans by providing access to improve livelihoods sustainably. © 2021, World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society. All rights reserved.