Few chicken, flu fears among collegians
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.