TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government will reportedly receive a second batch of COVID-19 aid from the Chinese government that is said to be worth Rp130 billion. In a virtual press conference on Tuesday, the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Xiao Qian said the aid will consist of face masks and personal protection equipment (PPE).

The second wave of foreign aid packages will also be accompanied by joint research on the development of a vaccine, medications, and the development of medical equipment.

The ambassador said in the press conference, citing Antara news, that “China is willing and assertively supports the Indonesian government’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Just one day prior reports state that Indonesia will also be receiving a total of 33 ventilators from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The first COVID-19 aid batch from the three international organizations arrived in Jakarta on Monday, June 1, which was immediately handed to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) for further nationwide distribution.

UNDP Indonesia representative Christophe Bahuet noted that the medical equipment the organization purchased are part of the joint initiative with the WHO and IOM. This COVID-19 aid will help provide vital health treatments for the victims of the pandemic that has crippled the international community.

ANTARA