We sincerely hope this message finds you safe and well-protected from the scourge of Covid-19 that is befalling countries around the world. As a result of this unwelcome development, most public activities in Indonesia have come to a sudden halt. In an effort to maintain physical distancing, all planned and scheduled programs have been nullified or postponed indefinitely. More than the inactivity and the inertia that we are having to deal with, probably the most difficult condition to adjust to is the uncertainty and the lack of a timeframe which we can use as a reference point for a resumption of normalcy. At this point, it could be even late April before the pandemic reaches a peak in Indonesia, according to some health experts. But cope we must, and judging from the many reports, stories and anecdotes shared and posted on the internet and in the mainstream media, people have found many and varied ways of continuing with their daily routines. In some households, where Netflix has not become an obsession, it is a time to reach for books bought long ago and remain unread.
One major concern is the education of children during this trying period. A form of home-schooling, something alien to most Indonesian parents, is now the only practical solution to the problem of ensuring that their children continue with their studies from home, via the internet and cell-phones. This requires the active participation of parents, particularly in managing the lessons of elementary school students, whose attention is often prone to stray. Hopefully, this will also lead to more in-house book-readings and storytelling, and at the same time, encourage greater productivity among writers, poets and essayists.
In the meantime, do spare some of your time to browse through our catalogue and see if you see something interesting to order. We value your continued support.
Yuli Ismartono
yismartono@lontar.org