VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian government has discussed with the Chinese government relating to the evacuation option of Indonesian citizens from the central region of the new coronavirus transmission in Wuhan, Hubei Province. Once there is a green light, the government will immediately conduct the evacuation. Acting Spokesman for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a special interview with Voice of Indonesia on Monday (Jan 27) explained that there are several obstacles to evacuate Indonesian citizens from the Hubei province. One of the obstacles is that the residents in affected areas are prohibited to leave the province for a currently unspecified period of time.  If the Chinese government opens access shortly, the Ministry will immediately conduct evacuation.

From Indonesian government side of yesterday's discussion such things, options, including evacuation are also part of the discussion.  Essentially, all scenarios are prepared, because eventually the conditions in the field are decisive. We cannot force an evacuation if the area cannot yet be opened and Chinese government knows most about the conditions on the ground.

Moreover, Minister Faizasyah further explained that the Indonesian government will also continue to coordinate with countries whose citizens have been forced to stay in Wuhan, to see if there is an opportunity to evacuate their citizens. The Indonesian Embassy and university students in Wuhan communicate periodically through the Wechat group, while the Embassy tries to ensure their mental health. He also ensured that the government will do the best for the 252 Indonesian citizens in the affected areas. (VOI/SEKAR/TRS AF)