Govt Denies Overreacting to Coronavirus Outbreak

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has rebutted statements voiced by Chinese Ambassador Xiao Qian that Indonesia was overreacting in dealing with the coronavirus crisis that first emerged in China's city of Wuhan by announcing the travel ban.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi asserted that all policies taken had been through thoughtful considerations. In fact, Indonesia was relatively late in issuing the travel restriction.

“We are very careful (in issuing a policy) and do maintain good relations [with China]. When we decided to suspend flights [from and to China], we have waited and referred to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation,” he said on Wednesday, February 5.

As widely reported, the government temporarily suspended commercial flights from and to China as of today. Certain imported goods from China have also been temporarily curbed.

Ambassador Xiao Qian argued that Indonesia’s decisions could hamper the bilateral partnership in the future and even face state losses, both in the economic and tourism sectors.

Budi Karya hopes the ambassador’s remarks will not occur and further underlines that the policies related to the coronavirus outbreak have been discussed with a variety of institutions. “Hopefully, the business ties of the two countries will continue,” the minister said.

Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry balked at commenting on China's advice. The ministry's acting spokesperson Teuku Faizasyah suggested Tempo ask the matter to Transportation Minister.

ISTMAN MP