Analysis on Current Management of Covid-19 Infectious Waste from Self-Isolation Patient towards New Habit Adaptation Era in Indonesia: A Case Study of Sumatera Island

In preparation for a new habit adaptation era, Covid-19 infectious waste of self-isolation (SI) patient at home may become a concern in Indonesia. Therefore, the current study evaluates the implementation of the infectious waste management of SI patients (households) in Padang, Medan and Banda Aceh City, Sumatera, through online questionnaires and in-depth interviews. SWOT analysis identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the current condition for developing strategies and sustainable programs. Despite the national circular letter instructing the management of the Covid-19 infectious waste from SI patients having been issued, waste management is still not implemented properly. It is likely that most of the Covid-19 infectious wastes from SI patients mix with other household waste and move to the municipal landfill. A lack of concern from the government and society could be the main cause. This creates subsequent problems, such as facility and personnel shortages, lack of coordination, poor campaigns, etc., finally resulting in the low awareness and participation of society. The local government could build partnership with a third-party company and seek assistance of national and international institutions. To ensure sustainability, the Indonesian government must establish an integrated monitoring system to evaluate the program implementation at various levels.