TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A spokesperson of the Transportation Ministry Hengki Angkasawan stated that the cargo shipping from and to China via ports and airports operates normally despite the coronavirus crisis, which first emerged in Wuhan.

Hengki added that only the shipping of animal lives that was temporarily suspended.

“This policy follows the results of the limited meeting with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo yesterday afternoon that was attended by Transportation Minister,” said Hengki on Wednesday, February 5.

Hengki ensured that the cargo shipping was relatively safe so far as there was no coronavirus transmission found through goods. Besides, the World Health Organization (WHO) had not yet issued an appeal related to the suspension of the cargo traffic.

Meanwhile, the delivery of live animals was stopped given the suspicion that the Wuhan virus generated from animals. However, Hengki stopped short of detailing the regulation as it was under the authority of the Air Transportation Directorate General and Sea Transportation Directorate General.

As for the shipping of agricultural commodities including fruits and garlic, Hengki ensured that the ministry would immediately hold intensive communications with other ministries.

Previously reported, the Transportation Ministry issued a policy to temporarily close flights to and from China as of February 3 until further notice in a bid to anticipate the spread of the coronavirus following the WHO's issuance of emergency status in China.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA