Few chicken, flu fears among collegians

A.Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Dozens of people have been affected by avian influenza in the country, yet university students seem to have no fear of consuming chicken.

For instance, chicken noodle stalls at Trisakti University, Tarumanegara University, University of Indonesia (UI) and Jakarta State University (UNJ) are still packed with students.

Tia, a student of Trisakti's School of Economics, believes that chicken sold at her campus' canteen are cooked enough to be safe.

"I think if the food is cooked properly, the bird flu virus will die," said Tia, while enjoying chicken noodles along with three friends at the campus' canteen in Grogol, West Jakarta.

Besides chicken noodles, the canteen sells fried chicken, chicken satay and other chicken-based dishes.

Avian influenza is said to be capable of infecting people who have contact with infected birds. That is why many people are afraid of getting close to birds nowadays and some even have released their pet birds.

Trisakti has dozens of doves and colorful birds that create a natural atmosphere at the campus. Despite the outbreak of bird flu, the university still keeps the birds and the students do not seem afraid of getting close to the birds.

One student was quite sure the birds were safe because the university's janitors regularly clean their cages.

Several students were seen sitting on the benches and studying while, sometimes, looking at the doves on the ground.

Bird flu fears also have not stopped Hani, a student at Tarumanagara University, located next to Trisakti, from eating her favorite chicken fried rice at the university's canteen.

"I believe that the foods have been cooked sufficiently. So, I'm not worried," Hani asserted.

She also believes that she will not be easily infected by the virus as long as she stays in good condition. "I also consume health supplements and vitamins to maintain my health." Similarly at UNJ's Warung Kebun (Garden Stall) students and lecturers were enjoying the stall's favorite dish: chicken noodles with chicken leg soup.

The stall, which was closed during Ramadhan, also serves chicken fried rice and various fruit drinks.

Several street stalls, which offer chicken noodles at cheaper prices, at the UI campus along Jl. Salemba, Central Jakarta are also frequented by students and people from surrounding areas each day.

The government has repeatedly called on people not to be worried about bird flu and continue eating chicken, claiming it to be safe for consumption as long as it is cooked properly.