The govt must inform the public

The government has declared the current bird flu outbreak "an extraordinary event", a situation that requires the pooling of resources to fight the epidemic. What has the government done to contain the disease? The Jakarta Post interviewed some people in Tangerang, Banten, to find out their views on the issue.

Raharjo, 45, lives in Pondok Aren subdistrict, Tangerang regency. He works for a firm on Jl. Sudirman, South Jakarta.

Bird flu is a new disease to many Indonesians. Many of us simply do not know how it affects people. It is not strange, therefore, that many people are avoiding eating chicken. They do not know that well-cooked chicken is safe to consume.

I think the government has not done its job by properly explaining the ins and outs of bird flu. Statements by government officials to the media cannot give a comprehensive explanation about the disease.

I really hope that greater efforts will be made by the government to provide information on the disease, such as through distributing leaflets and brochures, or advertisements in the newspapers, and on radio and TV.

Such a comprehensive approach by the government would give us a better understanding of the disease and will not only help people avoid catching bird flu, but also avoid panic.

Karno, 40, is the owner of a small shop in Setu subdistrict, Cisauk district, Tangerang regency.

What I know from the TV is that bird flu is passed by birds, chickens and pigs that are infected with the bird flu virus.

I think the government has to explain the details about bird flu to the people. TV is the most effective means for the government to provide information on the disease to the public as everybody now watches TV.

The disease is very frightening because more and more people are being taken to the hospital with it. Does the government know how to stop it?

--The Jakarta Post