TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As many as 40 tons of COVID-19 medical kits donated by a number of Chinese investors have arrived in Indonesia. All medical supplies were transported using a Boeing 777 aircraft departing from Shanghai Pudong Airport on Thursday, March 26, and arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Friday morning, March 27.

"This (medical supplies) donation was given by Chinese investors who work on the downstreaming of minerals and coal. Alhamdulillah, the first phase of the donation, has arrived safely. Next week, the second phase will be arriving, we are moving fast," said Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Agung Kuswandono, in a written statement on Friday, March 27.

The medical supplies consist of COVID-19 test kits, swab kits, N95 masks, surgical masks, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as clothes, goggles, and gloves. All donations will later be distributed through the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), hospitals and networks of several medical faculties.

Previously, spokesperson for the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment Jodi Mahardi conveyed that a number of Chinese investors made donations to help the process of handling the coronavirus pandemic on a national scale, especially in the regions where they invested, such as Morowali, Weda Bay, Obi, Kendari, Konawe, and surrounding areas.

"At present, the equipment needed by medical personnel are very scarce, so we appreciate the donors who have rushed to find the items needed," added Jodi.

The medical kits donation, geared to aid in the handling of the coronavirus outbreak, is supported by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing, the Indonesian Consulate General in Shanghai, and the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing's Defense Attache.

The donation was also supported by a number of Chinese ministries and institutions, namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CACC), the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

The donation will be distributed to assist the work of the COVID-19 Task Force, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of State Owned Enterprises.

CAESAR AKBAR | DIO SUHENDA (Intern Translator)