[THEMATIC REPORT]

NEW GREEN LIVING’S HABIT

Reported by: Amama Ira Amalia Priyono

Since last March the Covid-19 pandemic began to have an impact in Indonesia. The community is required to be able to survive and begin to adapt to the situation of the outbreak which is increasing every day. In total for almost a year, this epidemic has accompanied the lives of Indonesians. Especially in Semarang, Central Java, my domicile area is the red zone for Covid-19. With the existence of Covid-19, many companies are implementing a work from home system. Likewise, with schools that divert teaching and learning activities online.

With changing work patterns and community activities, a new habit has emerged, namely cycling. This cycling habit is a habit carried out by a family or a group of young people in the morning or evening to get around in a certain area while exercising. With changes in activities carried out from home, many people have more time at home than before the Covid-19 pandemic. This habit is a lot of public debate. There are people who support that this activity is a new environmentally friendly lifestyle to reduce vehicle fuel gas emissions. However, there are also those who are contra, who say that people should still obey the advice to be at home and not mistakenly aim at work from home or study from home for other activities outside the home

Regardless of the various opinions that exist in society. Cycling activities during a pandemic have become a habit that cannot be eliminated. Many areas in Semarang that were previously quiet are now busy areas for cycling such as the Simpang Lima area, Tembalang UNDIP Stadium, Semarang Tri Lomba Juang Area, Kota Lama Area, and many other public areas. To support this new habit the purchasing power of bicycles in Indonesia in general and in Semarang in particular has increased dramatically.

The impact of this new habit can be seen around Semarang such as the sky that looks bluer, the air is fresher, and fewer vehicles on the highway. The public must maintain health protocols according to the rules. Wear a health mask as recommended and wash your hands / bring a hand sanitizer while traveling. It cannot be denied that everyone needs to leave the house to do a certain activity, but it must be balanced with self-awareness of the importance of self-protection from Covid-19.