Compensation Called "Prayers" For Residents Around The Quarantine Area In Natuna

JAKARTA - Minister of Health (Menkes) Terawan Agus Putranto said there would be no compensation for Natuna residents, especially those living near the quarantine places for Indonesians who had just been returned from Wuhan, China due to the spread of the corona virus.

Instead of compensation, Terawan asked other people to pray for Natuna residents so that they would not be affected by the corona virus. In addition, as health minister, he will also ensure that the public will be safe from the virus attack.

"We are the Ministry of Health and the local government is responsible for everything. I am the minister of health. I do not allow them (Natuna residents) to get sick and be affected ... Pray for everyone to be healthy, for compensation, that's prayer," said Terawan to reporters after holding a meeting with the Minister of Political, Legal and Security Affairs. at the Kemenkopolhukam Office, Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, February 4.

Terawan also emphasized that no Natuna residents would be infected with the corona virus. Because, since the Indonesian citizen landed from Wuhan until he entered quarantine, the government has ensured that everything has gone according to the existing rules and procedures.

Furthermore, he also claimed to have pledged his body. What's more, since the Indonesians arrived, he got on the plane and greeted them. In fact, the former head of the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital will also have an office in the district.

"I guaranteed my body because I was at the forefront when the plane arrived. I first went to greet healthy citizens from Wuhan who came. That means I guarantee it," he said.

A wave of protests

It is known, Natuna Regent Abdul Hamid Rizal confirmed that the wave of protests from his citizens occurred due to late information from the central government regarding the quarantine activities of newly arrived Indonesians.

He also confirmed that the quarantine location is 2 kilometers from residential areas. However, he said the distance was safe considering that the location was at a military base which had been closed and could not be entered carelessly by residents.

Not only that, Hamid also ensured that his area was ready if there was a later spread of the corona virus. Because, in Natuna, there is already a health center that is ready to serve public complaints.

"We will turn every puskesmas in Natuna Regency into a post to serve reports and complaints from the public. So that if anyone feels something is lacking, we will immediately handle it," said Hamid at the same location.

Previously reported, the government had repatriated 238 Indonesian citizens (WNI) from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, related to the corona virus attack. Hundreds of these people arrived on Sunday, February 2 at Hang Nadiem Airport, Batam.

Furthermore, they were flown to Raden Sajak Airbase in Natuna, Riau Islands to undergo a series of medicals for two weeks.

However, a number of Natuna residents have refused to use the area where they live as an observation location for the corona virus. As a result, residents held demonstrations by means of giving speeches and burning tires.

The TNI-Polri also intervened to reduce the rejection by providing an explanation of the corona virus observation process. The Natuna community was asked not to worry because there was a guarantee that the virus would not spread and infect other people.