Indonesians unaware of safe COVID-19 measures & unsatisfied with government response

An InMobi survey conducted in late March has revealed an alarming lack of understanding of symptoms and preventative measures of the novel coronavirus amongst Indonesians, alongside unsatisfaction with the government's response.

Just 14% of the survey's respondents were able to correctly identify two of the key symptoms associated with COVID-19: cough and cold with shortness of breath, and high fever with body pain. At the same time, 80% of respondents said they were unsure about the origins of the virus—although this could well be the case in most countries, given how much confusion and misinformation there has been about the virus' origin.

The insights are based on a survey of 1056 responses conducted across Indonesia on the InMobi Pulse platform between March 24-28.

The survey further found less than two-thirds (60%) of citizens are taking social distancing seriously and avoiding public gathering and human contact.

One-third (35%) of respondents noted they are facing difficulty in purchasing hand wash and sanitisers in times when maintaining hygiene is of most importance causing more anxiety, while one in ten (12%) report facing challenges in sourcing food essentials.

Meanwhile, just 16% of the respondents said they are 'very satisfied' with the measures taken by the government on COVID-19 prevention and treatment.

It will be interesting for advertisers to learn that 8 in 10 (77%) of consumers are choosing to buy cleaning products based on their quality (germ-killing ability) rather than based on price. Furthermore, despite the reported challenges in procuring food essentials in-store, people are not turning to online shopping apps to make purchases—only 6% report placing orders online.

Hoarding behaviour has not kicked in in Indonesia—less than a quarter (24%) have bought enough groceries for a month or more, while 38% have stocked up on groceries enough for a few days only. Nearly half (43%) of respondents have not changed their grocery/household buying behaviour, and expect the situation to be fine within a week.

Naturally, travel-related expenses and the purchasing of luxury items has decreased, while personal care, groceries, home appliances and internet packages have gone up.