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ISSN 2063-5346
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THE SOCIAL MOVEMENT OF COVID-19 VOLUNTEERS IN HANDLING THE ARRIVAL OF INDONESIAN MIGRANT WORKERS AT THE ARUK BORDER, SAJINGAN BESAR DISTRICT, SAMBAS REGENCY, INDONESIA

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Fatmawati, Rupita, Arifin
» doi: 10.31838/ecb/2023.12.1.379

Abstract

As a result of the spread of COVID-19, many Indonesian migrant workers returned to Indonesia due to the termination of employment through the Aruk border in Sambas, West Kalimantan. Their arrival caused various problems, such as disruption of physical and mental health and loss of livelihoods, thus creating new problems. In this study, the researchers employed the qualitative method as an analytical tool. The primary data were collected from the COVID-19 task force team, volunteers, and Indonesian migrant workers, while the secondary data were obtained from documents relevant to the research context. Results showed that the arrival of Indonesian migrant workers who experienced sadness and problems caused the COVID-19 volunteer team to move to help them when they arrived at the Aruk border to carry out a series of administrative checks, health screenings, and asking them to wear masks. After checking at immigration, they were required to quarantine at Wisma Indonesian located close to the Aruk border. Those exposed to COVID-19 were immediately referred to the hospital. The sensitivity of the COVID-19 volunteer team is a form of a new social movement to minimize the spread of this virus. This social sensitivity on behalf of humanity makes them not care about their safety. They even may have the possibility of being vulnerable to contracting COVID-19. They argued that it was our responsibility to secure our region by building a spirit of unity to support and guard the borders against the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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