VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta has received aid from several foundations for efforts to check the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

"Our nation is facing a major problem. The government should not have to struggle alone. Therefore, we, the private sector, are taking the initiative to extend aid to the public and parties affected by the COVID-19 pandemic," head of Corporate and Marketing Communications at the Orang Tua (OT) Group, Harianus Zebua, said in a press statement released on Saturday.

The aid, which includes hand sanitizers, food, and beverages has been provided by the Orang Tua Grup Peduli (YOTGP) Foundation, Mayapada Group, and Buddha Tzu Chi Indonesia Foundation.

The aid has been symbolically handed over to representatives of a number of religious organizations in Indonesia, such as the management of the Istiqlal Mosque, the Jakarta Archbishop, and the Indonesian Churches Association, at the Istiqlal Mosque.

The Buddha Tzu Chi Indonesia Foundation has also simultaneously provided medical workers at the Tzu Chi Center Tower in Jakarta.

The Indonesian nation is going through a difficult time due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Harianus noted. The coronavirus has spread quickly and hit social and economic life, he added.

"We are very delighted to get a chance to participate in this common action with a number of parties that have the same concerns, such as the Mayapada Group and Buddha Tzu Chi Indonesia Foundation," he said.

The Buddha Tzu Chi Indonesia Foundation is focusing on providing up to two thousand medical workers to help handle COVID-19 patients.

The aid is expected to help alleviate the financial burden on the public and those in need of aid amidst the spread of COVID-19. (ANTARA)