Indonesian Cabinet Holds Meeting Through Video Conferencing as Minister Tests Positive for Coronavirus

Markus Junianto Sihaloho, Lenny Tristia Tambun
March 16, 2020 | 3:35 pm
SHARE
A computer screen shows a cabinet meeting through video conferencing led by President Joko Widodo on Monday. (Handout photo courtesy of the Cabinet Sercretary)
A computer screen shows a cabinet meeting through video conferencing led by President Joko Widodo on Monday. (Handout photo courtesy of the Cabinet Sercretary)

Jakarta. Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo led his first cabinet meeting through video conferencing on Monday, two days after Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi tested positive for coronavirus.

The video conference involved 14 ministers to discuss ways to accelerate the economy in the face of coronavirus outbreak, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said on his Instagram account.

The president on Sunday held a press conference to urge citizens to avoid public gatherings and work from home when possible.

Schools across the country have been closed for two weeks starting on Monday.

Advertisement

Indonesia has so far reported at least 117 confirmed coronavirus cases with eight recoveries and five deaths.

Other Ministers Tested

Indonesian Cabinet members were told to get tested for coronavirus once Budi was confirmed of having Covid-19, the official name of the highly contagious disease.

Budi was seen attending the previous cabinet meeting at the State Palace on Wednesday.

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin was among the first to announce his coronavirus test results. 

"The Vice President was tested on Saturday and the result came back negative," the Vice Presidential office said in a statement on Monday.

"The Vice President will continue working from the office or his official residence depending on his duties. He will observe social distancing, including by holding meetings through video conferencing," it says.

The office also announced the 77-year-old Ma'ruf had canceled official trips and declined invitations to large gatherings for the next two weeks.

Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Sofyan Djalil, who sat next to Budi in Wednesday's meeting, also took the test on Saturday and the result came back negative.

"He was tested at the Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital and the result was negative," Yulia Jaya Nirmawati, a spokeswoman for the Agrarian and Spatial Planning Ministry, said.

Indonesian Cabinet Holds Meeting Through Video Conferencing as Minister Tests Positive for Coronavirus
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi. (B1 Photo/Ruht Semiono)

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, who sat just one chair away from Budi during the meeting, also had the test and announced on Sunday she was doing fine. 

She began using video conferencing for meetings in her ministry at the weekend.

National Development Planning Minister Suharso Monoarfa denied rumors he had been self-isolating because of coronavirus.

Suharso got tested for the virus in Bali on Sunday and was told he did not have Covid-19.

"It's not true that the minister has been exposed to Covid-19, or that he's in self-imposed isolation. He is healthy and shows no signs of Covid-19 symptoms," Suharso's office said in a statement on Sunday.

Budi is being treated at the Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital in Jakarta and reports said he was recovering.
 

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


News Jun 4, 2025 | 9:40 am

No Need to Panic Over Recent COVID-19 Spike, Health Minister Says

Health Minister Budi Sadikin says recent COVID-19 variants in Indonesia are not deadly, urges public to stay calm and follow health protocol
News Jun 3, 2025 | 5:28 pm

Indonesia on Alert as Prabowo Responds to COVID-19 Uptick

President Prabowo summons Health Minister Budi amid rising COVID-19 cases. Public urged to stay calm and follow basic health precautions.
News Jun 1, 2025 | 12:03 pm

Indonesia Issues COVID-19 Advisory Amid New Wave in Asia

In Indonesia, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases dropped from 28 to just three over the past week.
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 Feb 6, 2025 | 11:13 am

Argentina Joins US in Exiting WHO, Citing "Profound Differences"

Argentina's president has ordered the country to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) due to "profound differences".
News Jan 14, 2025 | 5:27 pm

HMPV vs. Covid-19: Key Differences in Risks, Transmission, and Management

Discover the facts about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), its transmission, fatality risks, and how it compares to Covid-19.

The Latest


Business 28 minutes ago

Indonesia Stock Exchange Surpasses 950 Listed Companies, Profit Soars

IDX posts Rp 673b profit in 2024, up 16% from last year, as new IPOs, debt listings, and rising retail participation fuel strong growth.
News 1 hours ago

CPO Tanker Explosion at Batam Shipyard Kills 4, Injures 5

A CPO tanker exploded during repairs at a Batam shipyard, killing four workers and injuring five. Police are investigating the cause.
Lifestyle 2 hours ago

Bezos’ Lavish Venice Wedding Sparks Protests Over Inequality

Jeff Bezos’ Venice wedding sparks protests by locals and activists who say it highlights inequality and tourism-driven displacement.
News 2 hours ago

Gov’t Investigates Foreign Site Over Anambas Island Sale

Indonesia investigates a foreign website that listed four Anambas islands for sale, raising alarm over sovereignty and legal violations.
News 2 hours ago

Prabowo Already Has His US Envoy Candidate, Aide Claims

Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, a close aide to Prabowo Subianto, refuses to reveal the name of the US envoy candidate.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED