We are now making a switch, as the cases in Java-Bali have decreased, and we have excess oxygen, so we distribute it outside Java and BaliJakarta (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs highlighted that oxygen assistance from the industry has continued to flow in to help the government tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.
The government has involved the private sector -- Linde Indonesia Community Engagement (CE) and PT Smelting's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) -- to distribute medical oxygen assistance outside Java.
“This is a form of cooperation among the government, society, and industry. It will be an example for other industry partners to emulate while running their businesses," Montty Girianna, Deputy for Business Development Coordination of State-Owned Enterprises, Research and Innovation at the Coordinating Ministry for Economy Affairs, noted in a statement received on Friday.
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PT Linde Indonesia and PT Smelting have distributed nearly 400 tons of medical oxygen since June 2021. Recently, they delivered one ISO tank, with a volume capacity of 20 tons, to South Kalimantan.
Girianna affirmed that the delivery was aimed at optimizing the use of medical oxygen supplies, especially for areas outside Java-Bali that are grappling to deal with COVID-19.
"We are now making a switch, as the cases in Java-Bali have decreased, and we have excess oxygen, so we distribute it outside Java and Bali," he remarked.
In line with Girianna’s announcement, Director for Commerce and Business Development of PT Smelting Irjuniawan P. Radjamin conveyed that the oxygen supply was his company's commitment to according highest priority to humanity.
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“The commitment is that we give first priority to humanity. Currently, the demand for oxygen in Java-Bali is decreasing, and we see the demand outside them increasing. Hence, we along with PT Linde have committed to providing assistance,” Radjamin noted.
The government realizes that medical oxygen is essential in handling COVID-19, especially for severely symptomatic patients with low oxygen levels. Hence, the government continues to ensure the availability of oxygen in all regions.
The government has implemented a strategy in the short term to solve the oxygen deficit issue, including through dashboard monitoring (SIRS), converting industrial oxygen, making efforts to import/grant, using Isotank, and distributing oxygen concentrators.
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Translator: Kuntum K R, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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