Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Thohir has acted swiftly and led efforts to ensure the availability of oxygen supply to meet the rising demands amid a drastic surge in COVID-19 cases.
Strategic state-owned companies, such as the Pertamina Group that includes PGN, Krakatau Steel, and Pupuk Indonesia Group comprising, among others, Petrokimia and PUSRI, as well as Pelindo were actively contributing to providing logistics infrastructure, according to Thohir.
"SOEs are moving quickly in all lines. This is mainly to help provide oxygen. Several state-owned companies have distributed oxygen to many areas that need it," Thohir noted in a statement here on Tuesday.
Having facilities right from materials up to distribution networks, the country's SOEs have been active in helping deal with the pandemic and have moved quickly to meet the public's demands.
"Currently, the focus is on ensuring the availability of adequate oxygen for all hospitals and treatment centers. Massive distribution continues, and God willing, this will ensure the resilience of oxygen supplies in hospitals," he remarked.
The SOEs also ensured the availability of oxygen cylinders for several hospitals.
Minister Thohir lauded the contributions of SOEs in providing oxygen supplies.
"From the crew in the fields, factories, as well as those involved in distributing it up to the board of directors, I highly laud it. The task is not over and continues. We, from the SOEs, will improve services to meet the community's demands related to handling the pandemic and daily needs," SOE Minister Erick Thohir stated.
As the number of COVID-19 cases has surged, the demand for oxygen has increased significantly in various regions across the country, particularly in Java and Bali Islands.
Related news: Govt forms task force to ensure oxygen supplies for hospitals
Related news: Indonesia prepares to import oxygen as coronavirus cases rise
EDITED BY INE
