Overcoming the Impact of COVID-19 in the Densely Populated Area through “Taman Momong”

Abstract

The COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia attacked public health and disrupted child care, especially for those in dense settlements and classified as low-income households. This research aims to help densely populated communities provide care facilities to optimize children's playgrounds and learning spaces for free to optimize children's physical and psychological growth and development during the Pandemic. By using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method, this study resulted in three “Taman Momong” facilities equipped with children's play facilities, a mini library for children, the implementation of various educational activities needed by the community in the form of parenting workshops, the importance of parenting based on the fulfillment of children's rights, training on the use of Moringa and aloe vera plants to improve family nutrition, fulfill children's nutrition and herbal medicines to maintain family health. Thus, “Taman Momong” as green space can be beneficial in improving the physical and mental health of the community. Community activities at “Taman Momong” such as community parenting, gardening, recreation, and learning together show that psychologically and sociologically Taman Momong is the answer in overcoming parenting problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study shows that other communities can also use the existing vacant land to build “Taman Momong”. The society collaborates with the government to facilitate the park as a public space to support optimal care for their children