President Jokowi Calls for Immediate Evacuation of Indonesians in Virus-Hit Hubei

President Jokowi leads a closed-door meeting at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, Thursday (30/1).
(Photo by: BPMI)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has instructed immediate evacuation of all Indonesian nationals in the Chinese province of Hubei, where the deadly coronavirus originated.

The instruction was given by the President after meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna Laoly, Minister of Health Terawan Agus Putranto, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Wishnutama, and Head of the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Doni Monardo at the waiting room of Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, Thursday (30/1).President Jokowi on the previous occasion said that option for evacuating Indonesian nationals in Hubei is being reviewed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs by considering prevailing procedures.

“This morning, I instructed Foreign Minister to start reviewing the option. However, the evacuation plan will be discussed this afternoon,” he added.

The Head of State went on to say that the Indonesian National Defense Force (TNI) overseeing medical service may also be involved in the evacuation.

“There is medical team at Gatot Subroto Army Hospital (RSPAD) and they have declared their readiness,” he said.

It is estimated that approximately 243 Indonesians are trapped in Hubei. As of Thursday afternoon, the Wuhan coronavirus has killed 170 people in China, with over 7,000 confirmed cases worldwide, mostly in the mainland, AFP reported. No confirmed cases to date has been reported in Indonesia. (BPMI/RSF/EN)

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