TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ombudsman Commissioner Laode Ida blasted the government for permitting the entry of Chinese nationals to Indonesia amid the coronavirus crisis. The presence of the foreign nationals was recorded in a video taken at the Haluoleo Airport in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, which eventually grabbed public attention.

“Kendari is my hometown. And the one spreading the video has been arrested by the Southeast Sulawesi Police. The occurrence did, In fact, happen,” said the Ombudsman commissioner on Monday.

Laode strongly argues that by permitting the entry of foreign nationals from the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, the Indonesian government shows that it does not care about the safety of its own people. Especially amid other countries implementing contrasting visa policies.

“But Indonesia continues to roll the red carpet for Chinese workers. Once again, this is strange,” said Laode in a written statement on Monday.

According to Laode, the foreign workers from China are employees of a nickel smelter located in Southeast Sulawesi and Central Sulawesi. The Ombudsman commissioner said he will “further confirm” this issue.

“Once again, this is an arrogant policy and attitude of an authoritarian country where the state-officials side with investors and foreigners rather than the safety of its own citizens,” said Laode.

EGI ADYATAMA