If Indonesian Citizens Participating In COVID-19 Observation In Natuna Want To Watch Java Jazz

Indonesian citizens who were sent home from Wuhan, China (Twitter / @ kemenkesri)

JAKARTA - The COVID-19 outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China caused a commotion around the world. But why is only Indonesia not infected with the virus? Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto answered casually when asked by the media crew.

"Medically, prayer. All because of prayer. I am sure prayer is what makes us all free from this (COVID-19)," said Terawan when met at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, East Jakarta when welcoming Indonesian citizens who returned home after undergoing observation at Natuna.

Furthermore, Terawan also ensured that the Indonesian citizens who were picked up from Wuhan did not really catch COVID-19 or were in good health. They can now gather with their families or socialize outside the home.

Terawan even joked that if the Indonesian citizens who participated in the observation wanted, they could watch Java Jazz. "We release them, yes (no appeal). Please, even if you are in the crowd, you can also see Java Jazz. You want Java Jazz," said Terawan.

However, Terawan could not confirm when this outbreak would end. He only asked people to maintain their health and pray. It's nothing, Indonesia is still surrounded by countries with cases of COVID-19, such as Australia, Singapore and Malaysia.

A total of 243 Indonesian citizens consisting of 238 residents and five Indonesian embassies were sent back to their respective hometowns from Natuna after following an observation process for two weeks. Observations are carried out through strict procedures established by WHO.

The process of repatriating the Indonesian citizen was carried out using three aircraft belonging to the TNI. Respectively, two Boeing and one Hercules aircraft departed from Raden Sadjad Ranai Natuna Air Base, Riau Islands to Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta.