Gov’t to Quarantine Indonesian Crew Members on World Dream Cruise Ship in Sebaru Island

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy is in a doorstop interview after meeting President Jokowi at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday (24/2). (Photo by: BPMI).

The Indonesian Government has announced plans to evacuate 188 Indonesian citizens working as crew members aboard the World Dream cruise ship after the ship suspended its operations amid concerns over the coronavirus.

“We have decided to evacuate them from World Dream cruise ship. Yesterday, Dr. Soeharso naval hospital ship had headed to the sea off Riau Island to pick up the Indonesians aboard the ship. Upon the pick-up, they will be observed under procedures established by the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI),” said Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy after attending a cabinet meeting with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday (24/2).

Following the evacuation, all Indonesian citizens aboard the cruise ship will be brought to Sebaru Island, in Thousand Islands regency in Jakarta for observation, the Minister added.

“We have prepared the location (for quarantine) in those islands since there are no inhabitants in the Sebaru Island. In addition, the island has good facilities needed for observation,” he added.

In the meantime, Minister of Health Terawan Agus Putranto pointed out that the Government will focus on the evacuation of Indonesians from World Dream cruise ship since it has the smallest risk.

“The ship is also the closest to us. We will take measures to provide good quarantine facilities. We always take the smallest risk first,” Terawan said, adding the evacuation will be carried out by sea to prevent the spread of the virus to the land.

The Minister went on to say that the Government will also carefully consider medical aspects, adding that decisions must not be taken emotionally for the safety of the country and nation since Indonesia is still categorized a green zone, which is free of infection. (BPMI)

Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by : M. Ersan Pamungkas