TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government is preparing a number of venues to be converted into a special hospital to accommodate positive COVID-19 patients, including the Jakarta Athlete’s Dorm.

The Ministerial Cabinet Secretary, Pramono Anung, has confirmed this news. "Yes, one of them (the venues)," he said when met by Tempo in his office, the Ministry of State Secretariat Complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

Pramono stated that President Joko Widodo has instructed the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises, the Indonesian National Military (TNI), as well as the Indonesian Police (Polri) to prepare a number of reserve hospitals to anticipate a spike in the number of positive COVID-19 patients in Indonesia.

On top of the Jakarta Athlete’s Dorm, the government is also preparing Patra Comfort Hotel as a specially designated hospital.

According to Pramono, the government continues to prepare a number of venues to be used as reserve hospitals. However, he has refused to disclose it. "A lot [of venues are being prepared]. I'm not authorized [to disclose]."

In addition to preparing numerous reserve hospitals, the government has issued a number of policies geared to curb the coronavirus transmission, including the appeal for social distancing by working from home.

“With what the president has conveyed, if it is carried out diligently, it will at least minimize (the transmission),” he added.

AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI | DIO SUHENDA (Intern Translator)