Gov’t Completes Facilities for Observation of World Dream, Diamond Princess Cruise Ship Crew Members

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy and Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Doni Monardo monitors quarantine facilities in Sebaru Kecil Island, Friday (28/2). (Photo by: Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture)

Facilities at Sebaru Kecil Island are finished for observing Indonesian citizens working as crew members aboard the World Dream and Diamond Princess Cruise Ships, according to Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy.

“Medical staff and facilities have been prepared. Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (Polri) personnel are ready to assist them,” Muhadjir said after visiting the Island on Friday (28/2).

He went on to say that Indonesian citizens on both ships will be observed separately in two different blocks. Each block will be equipped with medical facilities and staff for the observation.

For the record, they were evacuated for observation since there were coronavirus-infected passengers in the cruise ships where they worked.

Muhadjir added that the first to be brought to the Island on Dr. Soeharso-990 Naval Hospital Ship was crew members of World Dream Cruise Ship, while 68 Indonesian citizens aboard Diamond Princess Cruise Ship were airlifted from Yokohama, Japan to be quarantined for observation immediately.

Soeharso naval hospital ship carrying 188 Indonesian citizens aboard World Dream Cruise Ship will arrive at the Island at 1 p.m. Western Indonesian Time.

The Government and all related parties will remain vigilant and prepare alternative procedures for worst case scenario which will be adjusted with the condition in Subaru Kecil Island.

“Cooperation and vigilance of all parties are very important to save our crew members and all citizens,” the Minister said.

Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by : Yuyu Mulyani