COVID-19: West Java inmates produce over 1,000 protective gears for donation by following YouTube tutorials

The inmates of Cibinong Correctional Institution in West Java were reported to have donated more than 1,000 protective gear for medical personnel, which they created by following tutorials on YouTube.
Zukhraini Khadija, one of the correctional health care team members, told Kompas on Sunday evening (19 April) that the correctional facility’s healthcare team initially produced their own face shields “because it is difficult to procure such face shields anywhere”.
“But there are YouTube tutorials teaching us how to make our own face shields … Hence, the team here decided to ask the inmates to participate in making them and donating them to the local medical centres, especially community health centres in low supply of protective gear,” said Dr Zukhraini.
There are about 10 inmates participating in the production of protective gear. They can produce at least 200 face shields daily. It is crucial for all medical personnel, including the correctional health care team, to use such shields to protect them from COVID-19 infection.
“Daily production can reach up to 200 pieces, depending on the material supply. Usually, we make the gear in several phases such as cutting the design first, then creating the frame.
“The next day, we put the rubber and lastly the mica plastic. So, we don’t produce face shields all at once,” said Dr Zukhraini, who is also a dentist.
So far, the inmates have produced 1,026 face shields and distributed them to health care centres around Bogor district in West Java, exceeding their initial target.
“Our first target was 1,000 face shields, but if we distributed 100 pieces to each community health care centre, it could only cover 10 health care centres. That did not seem enough, so we increased the target,” she said.
In the first phase, they distributed about 850 pieces. Only 25 left are now left for delivery. The waiting list can reach up to 2,000 pieces.
Besides making face shields, the inmates also make face masks out of cloth.
The doctor said such activities have given a positive impact on the inmates, as they feel that they are able to do something meaningful by contributing to Indonesia’s fight against COVID-19 in such a way, even behind bars.
Dr Zukhraini expressed her hope that the inmates’ efforts will serve as an example to other correctional institutions and the community to work hand-in-hand in combating COVID-19.
“We hope that other regions will be moved to work together and help each other. We have human resources who can continue working together to purchase materials … It would be even better if it can also be useful for the neighbourhood area,” she said.