TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Airlangga University faculty of medicine microbiologist, Dr. Agung Dwi Wahyu Widodo dr., M.Si. was one of the many experts in the field of microbiology who questioned Hadi Pranoto - who claims to be a microbiologist - after issuing a statement that the virus causing COVID-19 could only be killed at 350 degrees celsius.

The Airlangga University lecturer challenged Pranoto’s statement and said that viruses are already inactive at 120 degrees celsius. Hadi Pranoto’s statement grabbed public attention after he was interviewed by musician-turned-YouTuber Anji.

“We use an autoclave and at 120 degrees the virus is already inactive. Now, what type of equipment can be used to eradicate a virus at that temperature,” said Agung to Tempo on Sunday, August 2.

An autoclave is a machine that provides a physical method of sterilization by killing bacteria, viruses, and even spores present in the material put inside of the vessel using steam under pressure.

Agung Dwi Wahyono further explains that the virus that causes COVID-19 is actually considered the weakest microorganisms and that killing it would only need the use of alcohol and enough soap.

“Why would it need to be burned at those temperatures,” Agung questioned.

The YouTube video uploaded by musician Anji had gone viral after in the interview, Hadi Pranoto also claims to have discovered the cure for COVID-19 and astonishingly claims that coronavirus patients can be cured within two-to-three days.

Moreover, the deputy of the Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, dr. Herawati Sudoyo, M.S., Ph.D., explains that sufficient knowledge about the virus’s structure is needed to know the microorganism’s tolerance towards temperature.

The Eijkman founder further explains that the membrane wrapping the Sars-Cov-2 (the cause of COVID-19) consists of lipid and protein, which would dissolve if exposed to heat.

“Studies have found that the membranes would decimate at 56 degrees celsius,” said Herawati Sudoyo.

Read also: Claims to Have Found COVID-19 Cure; Hadi Pranoto's Credibility Challenged

M ROSSENO AJI