Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is cooperating with at least nine countries to ensure the smooth supply of medical equipment to accelerate efforts to contain the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Government-to-government assistance is coming from nine countries, namely China, Japan, the US, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates," Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told the press via video conference on Thursday.

In addition, Indonesia has received support from various international organizations and entities, namely the WHO, ADB, IAEA, UNDP, IOM, Global Fund, and UNICEF.

Meanwhile, Indonesia has recorded assistance from 42 private and non-governmental organizations from nine countries, namely China, Singapore, Korea, Vietnam, France, Russia, Germany, Japan, and Sweden.

"Most of the assistance comprises masks, rapid test kits, and protective equipment," Foreign Minister Retno said.

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Indonesia has said it urgently needs protective equipment, masks, rapid diagnostic kits, dacron swabs, ventilators, RT-PCR kits and reagents, and thermometers to combat COVID-19.

"These seven medical devices are the most urgently needed by Indonesia and it is the concern of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate them in the future," said Daniel Tumpal Simanjuntak from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who is helping coordinate international assistance to deal with COVID-19.

International support to meet the demand for medical equipment is being coordinated by the Task Force for the Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling, established by the Indonesian government.

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Translator: Yashinta Difa, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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