Police Hunt Suspect Who Exposed Coronavirus Patients' Identities

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s COVID-19 or coronavirus mitigation spokesman, Achmad Yurianto, said the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) is currently hunting down the suspects responsible for exposing the country’s first two coronavirus patients' personal information. 

Achmad said that this has brought psychological pressure for the two patients who are undergoing intensive medical treatment. 

“The Bareskrim has involved the Communication and Informatics Ministry in hunting down the suspect,” said Yurianto in a press conference at the Health Ministry Headquarters on Wednesday, March 4. 

According to Yurianto, the patients are at a state of unease due to the exposure of their personal information which also includes the location of their house. “This clearly violates the law,” he said.

Fortunately, Yurianto explained that the physical condition of coronavirus patient 01 and patient 02 has improved ever since they were admitted to the Sulianti Saroso Hospital (RSPI Sulianti Saroso). Both equally showed no signs of fever, breathing issues, nor flu. 

“What we are worried about is their psychological health,” said Yurianto. 

Previously on Monday, March 2, following President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s announcement on the confirmed coronavirus case, the private identities of the patients were spread through a mobile chat application. Their house also attracted attention after it had a police line installed.

AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI

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