Indonesia Confirms First Coronavirus Cases in Its Territory

BeritaSatu
March 2, 2020 | 1:48 pm
SHARE
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, left, and Health Minister Agus Terawan Putranto announce the first coronavirus cases in Indonesia on Monday. (Antara Photo/Sigid Kurniawan)
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, left, and Health Minister Agus Terawan Putranto announce the first coronavirus cases in Indonesia on Monday. (Antara Photo/Sigid Kurniawan)

Jakarta. Indonesia has confirmed two novel coronavirus cases in its territory after diagnosing two women living in Depok, a West Java suburb just outside Jakarta, who came in contact with a Japanese man coming from Malaysia who was already infected with the virus several days ago. 

Health Minister Agus Terawan Putranto said the women had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2, a new strain of the coronavirus that causes the pneumonia-like Covid-19 disease, and are now kept in isolation at the Prof. Dr. Sulianti Saroso Hospital for Infectious Diseases in North Jakarta. 

"When we first found out about the Japanese man's [confirmed with coronavirus] case in Malaysia, a team in Indonesia went straight away to track down his activities and who he had met here," President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said. 

"Now we've found these two women — a 64-year old woman and her 31-year old daughter — positive with the virus," he said.

Advertisement

The announcement came on Tuesday after weeks of speculations from foreign health experts who were skeptical of Indonesia's claim that it had been spared from the virus despite its close trade and tourism links with China and Wuhan.

Last week, Japan said it identified a man who had contracted the coronavirus after returning from Indonesia. 

Last weekend, the New Zealand authorities also reported a woman, aged in her 60s, arriving from Iran with the coronavirus after spending an unidentified time transiting in Bali. 

The Indonesian government has insisted it has the capability to detect the virus early and contain its spread.

President Jokowi said it has 100 hospitals across the country with the capability to treat patients infected with the novel coronavirus, having previous experience in containing the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), the other diseases caused by the coronavirus family. 

"We have the 100 hospitals with good isolation standard. We have enough reagents and standard operating procedures that match international standards. We've deployed a joint team comprising the police, the military and medical workers to deal with this issue," Jokowi said. 

"If we are not serious in handling this, it can be very dangerous," the president said. 

Studies emerging out of China, the center of the outbreak, so far suggested the virus spreads through droplets coughed out by infected patients. The droplets can survive on a solid surface for up to two days.

Experts say the most effective way to avoid getting infected is by washing yiur hands with soap regularly, keeping a meter's distance from people and avoid touching face, shaking hands or touching surfaces in public areas.

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


News 7 hours ago

Jokowi Vows to Show Original Diploma in Court, Says Investigation Ongoing

Jokowi says his fake diploma case is still under investigation by Jakarta police, despite the National Police dropping a similar complaint.
News May 22, 2025 | 4:08 pm

Police Confirm Jokowi’s Diploma Is Authentic, Ending Fake Degree Rumors

Police say Jokowi’s UGM diploma is real after forensic review, ending years of fake degree rumors and closing the forgery investigation.
News May 20, 2025 | 1:38 pm

Jokowi: “No Choice But Court” to End Fake Diploma Accusations

“To be honest, I’m saddened that this case has come this far. I feel sorry for those who continue to deny the truth,” Jokowi said.
News May 19, 2025 | 5:56 pm

Indonesia, Thailand Sign Health Pact as COVID Cases Surge in Bangkok

Indonesia and Thailand sign a health MoU in Bangkok as COVID-19 cases rise, aiming to strengthen pandemic readiness and health systems.
News May 19, 2025 | 5:45 pm

Indonesia, Thailand Sign Health Pact as COVID Cases Surge in Bangkok

Indonesia and Thailand sign a health MoU in Bangkok as COVID-19 cases rise, aiming to strengthen pandemic readiness and health systems.
News May 14, 2025 | 10:25 pm

Jokowi Eyes PSI Top Post, Jokes About Beating the Odds

Jokowi said he is still making political calculations regarding the possibility of leading the youth-oriented party.
News May 9, 2025 | 11:36 am

Jokowi to Deniers: My Diploma Is Real -- Now Face the Law

Jokowi’s legal team appeared at police headquarters in Jakarta with the diploma, which was hand-delivered by his brother-in-law.
News May 8, 2025 | 6:28 pm

Jokowi: Media Has Crucial Role in Sustaining Public Morale

"With 10 years of experience leading the country, he remains a valuable voice of reason," Enggartiasto said of Jokowi.
News May 5, 2025 | 8:48 pm

Prabowo Rejects ‘Puppet’ Label, Defends Jokowi Ties as Statesmanship

Prabowo denies being Jokowi's puppet, calling ongoing talks with ex-presidents smart governance, not subservience, amid rising criticism.
News Apr 30, 2025 | 1:55 pm

After a Decade of Rumors, Jokowi Finally Reports Fake Diploma Accusations to Police

Ex-President Jokowi files a police report over fake diploma claims, saying the decade-long rumors must be legally resolved once and for all.

The Latest


News 3 hours ago

At Least 60 Killed in Israeli Strikes as Gaza Aid Remains Scarce

At least 60 killed in Gaza strikes as Israel allows limited aid amid global pressure and UN warnings of looming famine.
Business 3 hours ago

Benzoin Resin Touted as Next Big Commodity in Indonesia’s Downstream Strategy

Luhut Pandjaitan says benzoin resin, or kemenyan, holds untapped potential for Indonesia’s downstream strategy and rural economic growth.
Business 3 hours ago

Trump Threatens 50% Tariffs on EU, 25% on Apple iPhones Made Abroad

Trump threatens 50% tariffs on EU goods and 25% on Apple products unless iPhones are made in the US, escalating his trade war.
News 5 hours ago

Minister Shuts Down Tangerang Steel Plant Over Toxic Smoke Emissions

The facility, operated by Power Steel Mandiri in the Cikupa Industrial Complex, was found to be emitting hazardous air pollutants.
Business 6 hours ago

Shell’s Exit from Indonesia Fuel Retail Not a Sign of Energy Sector Decline, Says Minister

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia says Shell’s sale of Indonesian fuel stations is a normal business move, not a worsening energy sector.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED