VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia has joined the list of countries that support India's responses to the severe shortage of oxygen cylinders amid a dramatic surge in COVID-19 infections.

To this end, through members of the Association of Indonesia's Gas Industries (AGII), Indonesia has pledged to transport 3,400 oxygen cylinders to India.

In the first phase, Indonesia had sent a consignment of 1,400 oxygen cylinders, Coordinating Minister for Economy Airlangga Hartarto noted in a press statement here Tuesday.

"I laud the Industry Ministry, PT Samator Group as one of the AGII's main members, and all other parties for their participation," he stated.

Apart from PT Samator, this humanitarian mission for India is also supported by PT Indorama Ventures Indonesia, PT Indo-Rama Synthetics Tbk., and PT Asia Pacific Fibers Tbk.

PT Indo Bharat Rayon (Aditya Birla Group), PT Mutu Gading Tekstil, and the Association of Carpet and Prayer Mat Manufacturers also join the mission.

Hartarto noted that India had been struggling to handle the second wave of the devastating COVID-19 infections that is reportedly tougher than the first wave.

India's frontline health workers continue to make all-out efforts to save as many lives of COVID-19 patients as possible in the midst of limited stocks of medical gears, ventilators, and oxygen cylinders.

Meanwhile, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita stated that India is Indonesia's strategic partner in diplomacy and economic cooperation.

"Hence, it is reasonable enough if we join the international response to help our brothers and sisters in India, who are facing tough challenges," he affirmed.

Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Manoj Kumar Bharti praised Indonesia's aid and expressed hope that both nations would soon tackle the pandemic and revive their economy.

In helping India fight against COVID-19, Singapore, Canada, and Norway had earlier sent consignments of oxygen cylinders to the country, according to Hindustan Times.

India's second wave of the shattering coronavirus disease outbreak has resulted in a dramatic surge in infection and death rates.

According to CNN, on Monday, May 10, 2021, India had reported 366,161 new cases, while its total caseload had reached at least 22 million since the pandemic began.

Following India's spike in infections, the Indonesian government had imposed a temporary ban on flights from this South Asian country as part of its precautionary measures against COVID-19 transmission. (Antaranews)