Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government began the coronavirus observation process for 188 Indonesian workers of World Dream cruise ship on arrival at Sebaru Kecil Island in Seribu Islands, Jakarta, a presidential spokesperson for social affairs Angkie Yudistia stated.
"Alhamdulillah (thank God), our brothers have arrived at Indonesia. As we know, 188 Indonesians on the World Dream cruise ship were evacuated and are currently under observation on Sebaru Kecil Island," Yudistia noted in a statement here on Saturday.
The observation process will run for 14 days akin to the process conducted in Natuna Island for 238 Indonesians evacuated from Wuhan, China.
Indonesian crew members of the World Dream cruise ship aboard a Landing Craft Utility (LCU) prepared to leave Dr Soeharso-990 warship for coronavirus observation in Sebaru Kecil Island of the Seribu Islands District in Jakarta on Friday (Feb 28, 2020). ANTARA PHOTO/Dispenal/mrh/nz
"However, some improvements have been made in terms of facility and stricter procedures. The process is in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) standards," she remarked.
All Indonesians evacuated from the cruise ship had tested negative for coronavirus or COVID-19, but they still have to undergo the observation process to ensure they are in sound health before returning to the families.
The government will also airlift 68 Indonesian crew members of the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was docked in Yokohama, Japan.
The evacuation process will be conducted in line with Japan's health protocol. They will be airlifted aboard an aircraft to Sebaru Kecil Island for observation, but the two groups will stay in different blocs in the island.
The observation process for crew members of the Diamond Princess will be conducted for 28 days to ascertain their health after an American passenger of the cruise ship, who had earlier tested negative, was found to be coronavirus-positive on day 21.
Nine Indonesian crew members, who had tested positive for coronavirus, are currently undergoing intensive medical treatment in Japan.
Yudistia stated that the Indonesian Embassy in Japan had continued to monitor the developments in connection with the Indonesians.
"The government will ensure the security, safety, and health of our countrymen, both in the Diamond Princess and World Dream cruise ships. We will ensure the health of all Indonesians. This is the state's responsibility to protect its citizens," she stated.
Indonesian warship KRI Dr. Suharso-990, carrying 188 Indonesians workers of World Dream cruise ship, arrived in Java Sea off Sebaru Kecil Island, Kepulauan Seribu, North of Jakarta, on Friday.
The ship had reportedly arrived at 1 p.m. local time and anchored on the east side between Sebaru Kecil Island and Pantara Island, or some eight kilometers from the Sebaru Kecil pier.
Two Landing Craft Utility (LCU), owned by KRI Dr. Suharso-990, were deployed to transfer passengers.
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