As we discuss social movements and civic solidarity during periods of emergency in countries around the world, we should recognize that Indonesians are among strongest to react in order to support each other. Indonesian society closely adheres to the tradition of gotong royong, a term that means to share and to build together with the community’s resources. According to the research done by the Charities Aid Foundation’s World Giving Index 2021, Indonesia is ranked as the world’s most generous society, with high rates of donation and volunteerism. As the government announced another semi-lockdown in July and applied more limitations on social activities, I was amazed and touched by the many social initiatives, such as public kitchens; financial or material-aid groups for those who had lost their incomes; and fundraising to provide health equipment for doctors and nurses.

• Yogyakarta