WHO Applauds Indonesia’s Coronavirus Diagnostic Test

Minister of Health responds to reporters’ questions after a Limited Meeting, at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Tuesday (4/2).

Minister of Health Terawan Agus Putranto confirmed that testing kits used for coronavirus diagnostic test for all Indonesian nationals coming back from Wuhan are developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a leading public health institute of the United States.

“Thus, we are so sure about the results and it is also appreciated by the World Health Organization (WHO). In fact, Indonesia has accreditation for it,” Agus told reporters after a Limited Meeting at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Tuesday (4/2).

The Minister went on to say that imported goods from China are still safe for use. On the other hand, animals including pets from China are prohibited from entering Indonesia.

Regarding tourists who enter Indonesia, he added that the coronavirus screening at all international hubs in Indonesia, be it airports, seaports, or land borders is very strict. They must pass through body detector, have their body temperatures measured by a thermometer gun, and must show declaration of good health.

The Minister also said that Indonesian nationals quarantined in Natuna are in good health and he expressed hope that there will be no one tested positive for the virus. He also promised to visit Natuna to monitor the situation on the ground.

Besides Indonesian nationals, Agus confirmed that there is one foreign citizen quarantined in Natuna since he is the spouse of an Indonesian citizen.” Nevertheless, he is not a Chinese citizen, but a European,” he said.

The Minister also stated that all Indonesian nationals quarantined in Natuna are free to use their mobile phones that show the openness of our government.

Regarding a report from Chinese media that stated the coronavirus may be transmitted through the digestive tract, the Minister said that the transmission mode has yet to be confirmed. (RSF/EN)

Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by : Mia Medyana