New normal and health protocol implementation in the farmers

Department of Sociology, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: argyodemartoto_fisip@staff.uns.ac.id

Abstract

Farmer becomes a professional group vulnerable to Covid-19 infection. Despite not doing activities with many people, but the risk of Covid-19 infection is still high in this group. The importance of farming sector sustainability requires farmers to keep healthy to maintain farming productivity. New normal era gives the public an opportunity of working outside home as usual by implementing health protocol. Phenomenon of health protocol implementation by farmers and those related during Covid-19 pandemic in Sukoharjo, Indonesia is the object studied in this research using Beck’s risk society theory. In this explorative study, in-depth interview, focus group discussion, and observation were conducted on clean and healthy living behavior in implementing health protocol in working during Covid-19 pandemic, and documentation was also conducted. The result indicates an appeal related to health protocol for farming sector and the movement to prevent Covid-19 transmission in the farmers in Sukoharjo. Attempt of implementing health protocol was taken by activating the agricultural extension officer’s role in socializing Covid-19, new normal, and health protocol to farmer groups in Sukoharjo. During working, the farmers interact rarely with other farmers, wear mask, keep social distance, and wash hand.