TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Ambassador to India in New Delhi, Arto Suryodipuro, has stated that there are 30 Indonesian citizens (WNI) trapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India.

The lockdown that was previously announced by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has been effective from Tuesday, March 24, and up to the next 21 days.

As a result, Indonesian citizens who were previously traveling in India are now unable to continue their journey due to the cancellation of all commercial flights to and from India.

"In the records of the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi, the Indonesian Consulate General in Mumbai, and the Chennai Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC), there are 30 Indonesian citizens trapped at their locations; 15 are in New Delhi and the others are in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Goa, Mumbai, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Maharashtra," Arto said, when contacted by Tempo on Thursday, March 26, 2020.

Furthermore, with 10 Indonesians COVID-19 positive in India, Arto explained that the Indonesian embassy (KBRI) will continue to establish communication and coordination with local health authorities, including for the care of the Indonesian citizens.

According to Arto, the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi continues to establish relations with the Government of India and the Government of New Delhi, and has received good support and cooperation to support and ensure all Indonesian citizens in India will get through this situation safely.

"We greatly appreciate the cooperation provided by the Government of India's health authorities, both in New Delhi and in the states, for the protection and safety of Indonesian citizens," remarked Arto.

Although the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi has identified 30 Indonesian citizens who are now stuck due to the lockdown, Arto further urged the cooperation of the Indonesian people who have information about their family, friends or relatives who are trapped in India, by contacting the Indonesian Embassy.

"Please contact the COVID-19 Hotline of the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi at +919773693006. In addition, all Indonesian citizens in India are requested to fill in their data at www.peduliwni.kemlu.go.id," added Arto.

Based on the official website of the Indian Government of India, as of today, March 26, India has 593 positive cases of COVID-19, with 14 deaths and 43 cases recovered.

DIO SUHENDA