TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government sent humanitarian aid in the form of 200 oxygen concentrator units to India to handle the increasing Covid-19 case, on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. This aid was sent by Garuda Indonesia plane at 14:00 WIB, from Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated that the assistance was provided to help deal with the Covid-19 pandemic in India, which is currently worsening. This assistance is in accordance with the direction of President Joko Widodo, to assist India.

"This humanitarian aid is a form of solidarity for the nation and the Indonesian people to India," said Retno in an online press conference.

On May 10, Retno said that the government together with Indonesian industry players and associations had also sent 1,400 oxygen cylinders to India. She said that Indonesia understands India's high demand for oxygen, after the surging of the Covid-19 case occurred during the past month.

Retno said that Indonesia and India are old friends, close friends, as well as strategic partners. The friendship between the two countries, she continued, has existed since the days of President Soekarno and Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, until now during the reign of President Joko Widodo with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Moreover, she said that since the beginning of the pandemic, Indonesia and India had been working together against Covid-19. At that time, Retno said that the Indian government facilitated Indonesia to export medicinal raw materials, which at that time was very much needed by Indonesia.

"Indonesia is always grateful for India's support during this pandemic. Now is the time to show our support. Indonesia will be with India in this difficult time. We are committed to sharing the burden with the Indian people. Afterall, a friend in need, is a friend indeed," Retno said.

This is not the first time Indonesia has provided assistance in handling Covid-19 for friendly countries. At the start of the pandemic in Wuhan, China, Indonesia also provided medical equipment such as masks, gloves and hand sanitizers. In addition, Indonesia also provides assistance to Palestine and Pacific countries.

"We believe that to succeed in fighting the pandemic, solidarity, collaboration and cooperation is a must. Not a single country is left unattended, no one is safe, until everyone is safe," said Retno.

Retno said that only with a spirit of solidarity can the world come out of this pandemic as a winner. She also hopes that the assistance sent by Indonesia can ease the burden on India.

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EGI ADYATAMA