Jakarta (ANTARA) - South Korean chaebol LG Group has donated 50 thousand polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kits to Indonesia in view of the coronavirus outbreak, and they are scheduled to arrive on Sunday (April 5).

The test kits were donated by four companies under the LG Group — LG Electronics, LG Chem, LG Innotek, and LG International Indonesia — after the company sent an official letter outlining its plan to head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Bahlil Lahadalia.

"Hopefully, the donation of the PCR diagnostic test kits from LG Electronics, LG Chem, LG Innotek, and LG International would help Indonesia fight the COVID-19 pandemic," President Director of LG International Indonesia Lee Chang Hyun said in a statement here on Saturday.

PCR tests, which are more accurate compared with rapid tests, can detect DNA sequences of the virus. Also known as a swab tests, PCR tests use mucus samples from the lower respiratory tract for making a diagnosis.

BKPM spokesperson Tina Talisa said the board has welcomed the South Korean company's contribution to efforts to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.

"This has shown LG's concern, an evidence of brotherhood between Indonesia and South Korea. Thank you very much. We will distribute them immediately," Talisa said.

LG Group is a major South Korean chaebol with some business branches in Indonesia. While LG Electronics has run its investment for 30 years, LG Chem has opened its branch in petrochemical trading, LG Innotek is producing digital tuners and electronics spare parts, and, LG International Indonesia has investments in palm oil plantation, mining, coal, and renewable energy.

Based on BKPM data, South Korea was Indonesia’s seventh largest investor in 2019, with total investments of US$1.07 billion.

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Translator: Ade Irma Junida, Sri Haryati
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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