TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi asserted that the evacuation process of Indonesian citizens from Hubei Province of China to Natuna went smoothly. They are currently put under observation in anticipation of the spread of the coronavirus (n-CoV).

However, observations are not only undertaken by 243 citizens previously isolated in Hubei, the epicenter of the deadly virus. The crew involved in the evacuation process must also undergo the medical observation at Natuna.

"A total of 42 Indonesians joining the evacuation process are also put under the observation. So the total number of the people is 285," said Retno after a limited meeting with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, East Jakarta, Sunday, February 2.

The number of repatriated Indonesians from China totaled 247 people and 1 foreigner. Four other Indonesian citizens refused to be airlifted to Indonesia, while the remaining three could not return home as they failed to pass the Chinese government's health screening prior to the emergency evacuation.

Those who were successfully evacuated will undergo the observation process for the next 14 days, the estimated incubation period of the coronavirus.

"Health Minister and team will open up an office in Natuna, and the Ministry's spokesperson will from time to time issue updates on developments," Retno concluded.

EGI ADYATAMA