Perception and Response of Religious Leaders in Precaution Transmission of COVID-19 Through Handling and Burial of Dead Bodies in Indonesia
Abstract One of the roles of religious leaders/ulama that can prevent the transmission of COVID-19 is education and socialization in the process of handling and burial of corpses. The varying practice on handling and burial of corpse in the community, as well as different perceptions of each cleric, are factors that hinder the implementation of the corpse handling and burial protocol with the COVID-19 procedure. This study aims to understand the differences in perceptions and responses of ulama in the process of handling and burial of dead bodies in Indonesia. This study interviewed 6 prominent ulama figures in each of the significant Islamic religious organizations in Indonesia as representatives of each practice of handling and burial of corpse. The case study research design with a structured interview guide was carried out by telephone in the COVID-19 pandemic. Data analysis was carried out with content analysis to classify variations in perception and response to the corpse handling and burial process with the COVID-19 procedure. All scholars interviewed in this study were men over 40 years of age and understand that the COVID-19 procedure in handling and burial of dead bodies can reduce the potential for disease transmission even though some clerical figures argue that there is a difference in opinion between ulama and the COVID-19 procedure. All scholars / religious leaders say that the handling and burial of the dead body using the COVID-19 protocol must be carried out by considering the possibility of disease transmission. However, some have adjusted the procedure to the religious values held by the organization. Comprehensive socialization and coordination can reduce misperceptions and misinformation in the process of handling and burial for corpses with the COVID-19 procedure so that the carrying out of handling and burial of dead bodies can prevent new COVID-19 clusters in the community.