Right now our country is in a 'war' condition against an invisible, fast-moving enemy that is threatening human lives. For that reason, I would like to invite all levels of society to help conquer this enemy
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Education and Culture Nadiem Makarim has said Indonesia is currently waging a war against an invisible, fast-moving enemy that is threatening citizen’s lives — the novel coronavirus disease.

"Right now our country is in a 'war' condition against an invisible, fast-moving enemy that is threatening human lives. For that reason, I would like to invite all levels of society to help conquer this enemy," Nadiem Makarim said during a COVID-19 basic literacy training video conference for student volunteers on Thursday in Jakarta.

The minister added that the future of the Indonesian nation is in the hands of the people. Hence, the cohesiveness of the Indonesian people’s efforts will determine whether the nation wins the fight or not, he stated.

He highlighted the efforts made by the Ministry of Education and Culture in response to COVID-19, including preparation of health facilities as subcenters for COVID-19 testing.

"At present, there are 13 medical facilities and 13 teaching hospitals appointed by the Ministry of Health as COVID-19 test laboratories," he said adding, without systematic tests, it would be difficult to curb the spread of the virus.

The ministry, he said, has been making arrangements so teaching hospitals under the Ministry of Education and Culture can receive COVID-19 patients.

The ministry has also mobilized health students to volunteer in the "war" against COVID-19, he noted. The volunteers are participating in efforts for prevention as well as treatment of COVID-19.

The ministry is also making all of the ministry's hostel facilities available for coronavirus response.

Both the Educational Quality Assurance Institute (LPMP) and the Center for Development and Empowerment of Educators and Education Personnel (P4TK) have been prepared to quarantine people under observation (ODP) and patients under investigation (PDP) throughout Indonesia. The bed capacity of P4TK and LPMP is 18,000.

“I, as the Minister of Education and Culture, would like to express my greatest appreciation because, within three days, some 15,000 student volunteers have registered. I am moved," he said.

Nadiem also called on educational institutions to spearhead the fight against the invisible enemy in order to save lives quickly.

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Translator: Indriani, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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