Social Capital and Social Trust: The State's Response in Facing the Spread of COVID-19 in Indonesia

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to analyze the steps taken by the Indonesian government to implement different policies for its fight against COVID-19. The Indonesian government has taken various measures, most pertinently Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB), to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 cases. This study used a qualitative approach as a contextual study that sought to emphasize the meaning of a phenomenon in a COVID-19 pandemic situation. The purpose of qualitative research was to make a complex picture. Data analyzed were obtained from various sources, including the internet, such as online media and social media, and related literature.  Data were collected utilizing the Ncapture for the Nvivo feature. The time taken for analysis was from March to May 2020. In conducting the analysis, this study also used Nvivo 12 Plus software. This research reveals that the government policies, most importantly Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB), triggered a decline in the public confidence. The increase in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in various regions up to May 2020 has made government policies deemed not running optimally. Further, the crisis of confidence affects the community’s participatory pattern in combating the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Findings from this research suggest the need for a study on how government policies can work well and also supported by the public trust.