The Government Distributes Hundreds Of Thousands Of Basic Food Packages For Indonesian Citizens Affected By COVID-19 Abroad

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said the government had distributed 375,162 packages of basic necessities and medical needs to Indonesian citizens (WNI) who were abroad.

"The Government of the Republic of Indonesia and all representatives of the Republic of Indonesia abroad have and will continue to increase efforts to protect Indonesian citizens as much as possible," said Retno in a press conference at Graha BNPB, East Jakarta, Tuesday, May 11.

As of May 10, packages of basic food and medical supplies have been distributed to 6 regions. First, a total of 344,369 basic necessities have been brought to Malaysia, 5,240 to other Asia and Pacific regions, 19,083 groceries to the Middle East, 3,350 food packages to Europe, 13,015 to the Americas, and 105 to Africa.

The distribution of basic necessities by representatives of the Republic of Indonesia is assisted by Indonesian community organizations in each country so that assistance reaches each Indonesian citizen.

"I really appreciate the initiatives of various Indonesian communities abroad to work together with representatives of the Republic of Indonesia abroad in providing assistance to our brothers and sisters who are most affected by the COVID-19 virus," said Retno.

Retno continued, the number of Indonesian citizens who had returned to their homeland from Malaysia was 72,966 people. In detail, they returned by sea as much as 65 percent, by land route by 20 percent, and by air by 15 percent.

Then, until May 10 yesterday, there were 734 cases that were exposed to COVID-19. In details, 321 are still being treated, 372 people have recovered, and 41 have died. They originate or live in 33 countries and territories and come from 20 cruise ships.

"All representatives of the Republic of Indonesia continue to coordinate with state authorities or local territories to ensure that all exposed citizens of the Republic of Indonesia receive proper health services in accordance with local situations and regulations," said Retno.