`SARS a conspiracy to manipulate dumb citizens'

The government has declared that the flu-like ailment known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a national epidemic, and called upon the people to be on alert for any sign of the deadly disease. However, some city residents told The Jakarta Post that they were not afraid as they were used to leading a live full of risks.

Alfi, 29, a housewife who resides in Cilincing, North Jakarta. with her husband, who takes odd jobs to feed her family of three:

I don't worry about the possibility of the spread of SARS in the country. I think it's just an exaggerated issue.

I am of the opinion that the more we worry about it, the more vulnerable we are to the viral disease. So, it's better not to pay too much attention to it.

Besides, we have to realize that we are a tough nation who are accustomed to living with hardships. Why should we worry about this?

Perhaps, the rich people should learn from the poor beggars who always rummage through the garbage for their daily survival. They never get sick and stay strong to get through their lives.

Usually the wealthy people are too paranoid about living hygienic lives. But in fact, they are getting more susceptible to contagious disease due to their fear.

Anyway, I will try to stay in good general health in a bid to prevent all illnesses. Keeping healthy makes us immune even to the viral illnesses like SARS.

Manan, not his real name, 55, is unemployed and has four children. He resides in Penjernihan, South Jakarta, with his wife, who sells soft drinks. His children are in Cirebon, West Java:

As a matter of fact, I don't worry at all about the spread of a contagious disease like SARS. I guess the illness is something like influenza, which is very common to us.

I don't know who has blown this issue out of proportion to the point that it seems like such a horrendous lethal disease. In terms of life and death, I believe more in God, the giver of life.

We will die even if not infected by an epidemic illness. So, why do we have to worry so much about it?

I'm sure that those who are afraid are mostly from the middle and upper income brackets because they try to be so careful and hygienic, and it actually makes them vulnerable to illness.

We can see that many homeless people reside under the toll bridge and live in shabby makeshift slums. But they never get really sick.

I'm just afraid that the issue of SARS is only a way to divert our attention from the crucial issues such as the economic downturn and political unrest. It's not impossible that such a conspiracy is taking place, because there are many sly people who manipulate the dumb citizens for their own benefit.

Anything could happen in our country. Personally, I doubt the existence of such an ailment.

Riyanto, 30, is a motorcycle taxi (ojek) driver who resides in Cimanggis, Depok, West Java, with his wife and two sons:

I know there is a possibility that SARS could infect all the people here. But frankly I'm not scared at all.

I think it's just a common disease like the flu, regardless of the more fatal risk. Well, at least we have to look at it that way, so as not to cause panic among the people.

Frankly speaking, there is nothing to worry about with SARS and the like. The most worrisome thing for me, an ojek driver, is when I don't have any money in my pocket. That's the most fearful thing, because I wouldn't be able to take care of my family. That is more fatal, I suppose.

Besides, I think the issue is exaggerated too much, and now everybody is frightened about getting SARS.

I don't care about the SARS issue actually. Anyway, the most important defense is to keep my body healthy to prevent all such illnesses.

-- Leo Wahyudi S