"I have communicated with the Chinese Defense Minister, and he asked about things that we really need in facing the outbreak. I have sent a list, but I don't know what will be given by them," Minister Subianto revealed at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base here on Monday.
He said China’s offer for assistance could be considered as a form of international cooperation, and it was accepted by Indonesia since China had experience in dealing with COVID-19.
"This is a form of international cooperation. They experienced a terrible wave of COVID-19, so when they offered assistance, we (agreed to) receive it," said Subianto.
The Defense Minister said Indonesia still needs medical supplies such as ventilators or breathing aids, rapid test kits, and complete testing kits to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
Indonesia has received 12 tons of medical supplies from China for its COVID-19 efforts, the minister said. The supplies were picked up from Shanghai, China by the Indonesian Air Force and will be distributed to hospitals handling COVID-19 cases.
"They will soon be distributed to hospitals and this supply of medical equipment will be carried out continuously," he said.
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Translator: Syaiful Hakim, Yuni Arisandy
Editor: Sri Haryati
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