Indonesian President demands massive coronavirus testing for earlier detection of cases
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered massive rapid testing for the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) be carried out nationwide after the country saw a significant rise in the number of infections over a few days.
Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian President Joko Widodohas ordered massive rapid testing for the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) be carried out nationwide after the country saw a significant rise in thenumber of infections over a few days.
Rapid testing must be conducted immediately with greatercoverage so infections can be detected much earlier, he said during a telemeetingon March 19.
Jokowi also called upon state hospitals, state-ownedenterprises, the military, police, and private enterprises to help acceleratethe coronavirus detection process in the country.
An Indonesian state-owned enterprise is waiting for thegreen light from the Health Ministry to import half a million COVID-19 rapidtest kits from China.
On the same day, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan restrictedpeople in Jakarta from leaving the capital city for the next three weeks as apreventive measure against the spread of the virus.
He requested people to not leave Jakarta unless thesituation is urgent.
The ban was put in place since Jakarta has been the country’shardest hit area which has so far recorded 208 infections and 17 deaths,accounting for 68 percent of the nation’s fatalities.
Anies said the most effective solution to prevent the virusfrom spreading further is maintaining social distance.
He also instructed local governmental officials to limittheir interaction with the residents and decided to halt religious activitiesfor the next two weeks, such as Friday prayers and Sunday masses.
As of 12:pm on March 19,Indonesia has confirmed 52 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total infections to309 with 25 deaths. The country’s fatality rate is relatively higher than otherSoutheast Asian countries.
Chairman of Indonesia’s Red Cross Jusuf Kalla warned thatthe number of infections might be far higher than the confirmed figure due tolow levels of testing./.
Hanoi has activated a smartphone app that allows the authorities to keep check on quarantined patients and lets the patients themselves update health information.
Retailers in Hanoi said they have made plans to boost stockpiles by 300 percent if necessary to meet the demands of local people amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ministry of Health on March 20 said that it has set up a specialised medical consultation group for the treatment of severe and critical COVID-19 cases in Vietnam.
Organisations, businesses and individuals in Hanoi have so far donated more than 4.1 billion VND (nearly 176,300 USD) COVID-19 relief effort, said the Hanoi chapter of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF Hanoi) on March 20.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo. (Photo: AP)
