The two nations enjoy close and unique relations, specifically a special strategic partnership. Indonesia is the only country among 10 ASEAN member states to have established relations with South Korea.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - South Korean Ambassador to Indonesia Kim Chang-Beom emphasized that the special strategic partnership was the reason behind his country prioritizing Indonesia to receive humanitarian aid and medical equipment to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. "The two nations enjoy close and unique relations, specifically a special strategic partnership. Indonesia is the only country among the 10 ASEAN member states to have established relations with South Korea," Kim stated during a videoconference that covered Korea’s mechanism in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis in Jakarta on Monday.

The special strategic partnership mirrors the sound relations between both nations. Hence, South Korea has placed Indonesia on the list of priority countries to share its experiences and knowledge gained in dealing with the virus.

The ambassador revealed that his discussions were ongoing with the Indonesian Foreign Ministry and National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) to gain an understanding of the type of assistance his country will send to Indonesia to help fight the spread of the COVID-19.

South Korea plans to provide disinfectant sprays, protective gears, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kits to Indonesia.

PCR test kit is one of the methods to detect COVID-19 infection by taking swab samples from the respiratory tract. The method is also called as a swab test.

"We will soon announce an inter-governmental cooperation package, particularly to assist Indonesia in facing this (state of) health emergency," he revealed.

Kim also echoed the keen interest of South Korean companies to help Indonesia contain the COVID-19 outbreak. The companies include LG Group and Korea Midland Power Co that have announced a plan to provide PCR-based test kits and protective gear to Indonesian medical workers.

"I am upbeat about increasingly more number of Korean companies following suit in the subsequent few weeks," he stated.

Kim further stressed on the critical role of cooperation and mutual assistance among countries in the global efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic as echoed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the virtual Group of Twenty (G20) Summit.

"At the meeting, the two presidents highlighted the significance of establishing cooperation and sharing details of the steps successfully applied in the communities," he added.

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Translator: Aria CindyaraSuharto
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