Indonesia is in Negotiation with Japanese Government to Airlift Home 68 Indonesian Citizens

Minister of Health Terawan Agus Putranto told reporters about the evacuation of Indonesian citizens aboard Diamond Princess Cruise Ship at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Thursday (27/2). (Photo by: Ibrahim/PR).

Indonesian Government is in negotiation with the Japanese Government to secure a flight slot to Haneda airport to airlift 68 Indonesian citizens aboard Diamond Princess Cruise Ship, Minister of Health Terawan Agus Putranto has said.

“We probably use a wide-body aircraft so it can fly directly to Japan without transit,” the Minister told reporters at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Thursday (27/2).

He went on to say that the decision will be announced in a day or two. Once the flight slot is granted, the Government will immediately airlift the Indonesian citizens.

The Minister added that the evacuation is voluntary. If they decide to stay there since they are healthy, they will not be forced to be evacuated.

“We will coordinate with Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding those who do not want to be evacuated. In fact, four Indonesians refused to leave Wuhan in the past evacuation,” he said adding that the Ministry has not received any information regarding those who want to withdraw.

Regarding nine people who tested positive for coronavirus, Terawan told that they will stay in Japan until they are recovered before being repatriated. “As a matter concerning both countries, those infected with the virus must not leave the country based on the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC),” he added.

Upon arriving in Indonesia, they probably will be brought to Sebaru Island, which is part of Thousand Islands Regency in Jakarta to be put under quarantine and observation. “We have yet to decide whether they will be brought on a boat or other modes. The most important thing is they all make a speedy recovery,” the Minister said adding that the schedule for quarantine has yet to be decided.

On the same occasion, the Minister said that he has not been informed about Indonesian citizens in Taiwan since Indonesia does not have diplomatic relation with the country.

He also explained that the Government respects the decision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which temporary bans visa for umrah (minor haj) pilgrims. “The Kingdom took that measure in order to protect its citizens and we must respect the decision,” he said adding that the Indonesian Government is currently in the process of lobbying to exclude visa-holding Indonesians from the temporary ban.  (MAY/EN)

Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by : Mia Medyana