In Indonesia, where COVID-19 cases are surging, a powerful photo by a respected photojournalist has ignited national debate, exposing widespread denial of the pandemic's severity.
Photojournalist Joshua Irwandi documented the grueling routines of hospital staff during the pandemic as part of a prestigious National Geographic Society scholarship. One striking image captures a COVID-19 patient fully encased in plastic for protection. Irwandi protected the patient's privacy, withholding even basic details like gender.
Shared on his Instagram on July 15, the photo garnered over 350,000 likes. Reposted by National Geographic, it exceeded 1 million likes, drawing coverage from major media outlets, TV networks, and science publications.
Irwandi faced fierce backlash from popular Indonesian singer Erdian Aji Prihartanto, a vocal minimizer of COVID-19 risks, who accused him of staging the scene. The singer's fans harassed Irwandi online, labeling him a "slave" to the World Health Organization (WHO). Irwandi reported receiving threats, and authorities unsuccessfully attempted to pinpoint the hospital's location.
Support came swiftly from the National Association of Photojournalists, affirming the image adheres to ethical journalistic standards. Erdian Aji Prihartanto later issued a public apology amid mounting pressure.
This haunting photo appears to be jolting Indonesia out of its pandemic denial. Despite crossing 100,000 cases and 5,000 deaths, many continue ignoring social distancing and mask mandates. The mummy-like figure has sparked fear and fueled vital coronavirus discussions nationwide.
Even the government was slow to respond decisively. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo initially endorsed an unproven herbal remedy, despite lacking approval from health authorities.
