Foreign Minister Leads Evacuation of Indonesians, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi inaugurates the YIA Underpass in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Friday (31/1). (Photo by: PR/Jay)

The Indonesian Government, during a Limited Cabinet Meeting on Thursday (30/1), has decided to immediately evacuate Indonesian citizens in Wuhan city and its surrounding area, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

“Minister of Foreign Affairs led the evacuation supported by all relevant ministers, including Minister of Health, the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) Commander, Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Minister of Tourism, and Minister of Transportation,” President Jokowi told the reporters after inaugurating the YIA Underpass in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Friday (31/1).

According to the President, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced global emergency situation related to Corona Virus.

“Our decision to evacuate our citizens was right, so what needs to be done is to bring our 243 citizens to Indonesia immediately,” he added.

President Jokowi went on to say that there will also be observation stages and so on before the evacuees can return to their families.

Furthermore, the President said that there are several options on the aircrafts that will be used to evacuate the Indonesian citizens. “The military aircrafts are ready; the commercial aircrafts are also ready. It depends on authorities in Wuhan,” the President added.

At present, President Jokowi continued, the Indonesian Government still coordinates with the authorities in Wuhan since Indonesia is not the only country that carries out such coordination. “We will use only one airport for the evacuation,” the President concluded. (MAY/EN)

Translated by: Galuh Wicaksono
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana