Pemerintah negara bagian Victoria kembali mengumumkan kebijakan memberlakukan tindakan lockdown. Kebijakan ini diberlakukan setelah otoritas kesehatan menemukan lonjakan kasus baru di kota terbesar Victoria, Melbourne. Warga diijinkan meninggalkan rumah hanya dengan lima alasan, yaitu kebutuhan makanan dan persediaan, pekerjaan resmi, perawatan dan pengasuhan, olahraga hingga dua jam dengan satu orang lain, atau menuju lokasi vaksinasi. Australia dikenal sukses mengatasi wabah virus corona melalui lockdown yang ketat ini. Namun, bagaimana kebijakan ini berdampak pada masyarakat Victoria khususnya warga Melbourne? Simak cerita sobat OZIP berikut!
Okkie Friandi – Staf KJRI Melbourne
Untuk saat ini, lockdown mungkin bukan sesuatu yang baru karena ini sudah ke 4 kalinya selama saya di Aussie. Saat pertama lockdown biasa saja, tapi setelah berhari-hari, berminggu-minggu rasanya bosan juga, tidak bisa ketemu teman dan jalan-jalan. During lockdown, saya jadi punya waktu untuk diri sendiri, menghabiskan waktu dengan sesuatu yang disuka, seperti main game, baca buku, kadang saya juga memasak, olahraga dan bikin project. Bersyukur juga masih bisa tetap bekerja walaupun ke kantor cuma sekali dalam seminggu.
Selama lockdown banyak project yang saya kerjakan, baik itu project kantor ataupun project sendiri. Salah satu project kantor yaitu membuat video pendek tentang menyambut Idul Fitri di Melbourne pada masa pandemi ini untuk media sosial KJRI Melbourne. Juga ada beberapa project pribadi untuk membantu teman soal isu lingkungan di Kalimantan. Ternyata kalau dijalani dengan happy, tidak terlalu membosankan kok!
Disini, pemerintah sangat peduli dengan mental health, terlihat dari beberapa aturan yang diberlakukan oleh pemerintah, tidak semata-mata hanya memikirkan bagaimana pandemi ini bisa cepat berakhir, tetapi juga bagaimana kesehatan mental masyarakat terjaga selama aturan ini dilaksanakan. Contohnya, selama lockdown masyarakat memang harus stay at home, tapi government masih memperbolehkan untuk berolahraga maksimal 2 jam per hari, which is bagus sekali agar masyarakat bisa release the stress. Jadi, bukan hanya memperketat aturan tetapi juga memastikan agar masyarakat bisa nyaman dengan aturan itu.
Itulah hal yang sangat menarik perhatian saya selama tinggal di Aussie dan aturan tersebut mungkin nanti juga bisa diaplikasikan di Indonesia.
Celina Kusdian – Teacher
After the first lockdown was lifted, I also went out sometimes but I felt more appreciation to places that I have visited such as a beach at Phillip Island for the first time in 2020. I was so thrilled I had to take a selfie with the vast sheet of blue waves. I’m looking forward to swimming once lockdown restrictions are lifted again. My next dream is to swim with whale sharks in Western Australia! There are many places that I’d like to visit in Australia. The pandemic made me re-think that there are many local places to visit and supporting local businesses is what we really need to do.
In 2019, I had my last flight to Indonesia, which is something I really miss. I feel a great connection with its people whenever I travel to Indonesia. Most importantly, I’d love to visit dear relatives that I haven’t been able to see. Many people like myself experience strong emotional attachment to their cultural roots and seeing my home country again is my dream once the pandemic is over.
I had a quality conversation with my friends, it made me feel recharged again after the lockdown. My good friend introduced me to journal writing and since then I can’t stop writing. I find journal writing keeps my mind busy and reflect on my daily life. By writing a journal, I can figure out what needs to be prioritised and ways to help me grow to become a great teacher. In saying this, I am an essential worker and we’re given permits to keep working and teach during lockdown.
This year, I had a gall bladder removal surgery. In the process of my recovery, I need to maintain a healthy lifestyle where I decided to slowly become vegetarian for health reasons. I did some workouts at home and walking in the neighbourhood scenery is also my new routine. The view is stunning!
I personally thought the process of lockdown is a good way to re-focus on self-care and spending time with my family. I try to have a positive outlook on every aspect of life, even lockdown itself. I’m just glad and grateful that I have my health, shelter, and my family. Lockdown has taught me to be patient and do what is right for the community by following COVID-safe practices. I hope my story share some positivity and hope everyone to keep going and stay strong! We’re all in this together!
Teks dan Foto: Evelynd
