UNICEF hand-washing program, shrinking flights to the US, new "Mudik" rules
Apr 02, 2020 | AmCham Indonesia
Dear AmCham Members and Friends,
In this COVID-19 update we include information on a handwashing program in Indonesia that has been launched by UNICEF, the latest on the government’s Mudik policy and information on the shrinking number of flights to the US from Jakarta, among other news.
Also, as we were getting ready to post this, we also received information that two private hospitals have closed their doors to all services except treating COVID-19 patients. The hospitals are: MITRA KELUARGA JATIASIH HOSPITAL in Bekasi and SILOAM HOSPITAL KELAPA DUA. Our thoughts are with all those treating patients during this time of pain and worry.
UNICEF handwashing centers
Frequent handwashing with soap is one of the most effective ways to reduce virus transmission, as soap and water will dissolve the virus on one's hands. Unfortunately, many Indonesians cannot always wash their hands with soap due to a lack of public handwashing stations. UNICEF is seeking support from the business community in the fight against COVID-19 to sponsor public handwashing stations. This program will complement other activities UNICEF is implementing with support from the US government, including public communication and support to health centers.
For a cost of $1,300, UNICEF and partners will install and operate a public handwashing station for three months, serving an estimated 500 people per day. The program is modular and allows businesses to sponsor one or more stations. AmCham members could choose to sponsor stations individually, or join together to pool funding. For more information contact: Enrico Rahadi Djonoputro: [email protected] or Gibthi Ihda Suryani: [email protected]
Mudik self-isolation?
In its continuing efforts to message its response to the annual Mudik pilgrimage of Indonesians back to their home villages during the Idul Fitri celebration following the holy month of Ramadan, President Joko Widodo has said that going home will be allowed this year despite the COVID 19 emergency, but that travelers must isolate themselves for 14 days in keeping with World Health Organization guidelines. The measure is to be overseen by local governments. Ramadan 2020 will begin the last week of April.
Flights to the US
The website of the US Embassy is reporting that there are still 25 commercial flights a week from Indonesia for US citizens wanting to return home. Of those flights, 20 are from Jakarta and five from Bali. Of the Jakarta flights, 10 are via Tokyo, three via Doha, two via Bangkok, two via Seoul, and three via Amsterdam. All the flights from Bali are via Doha.
“Under the Global Level 4 Health Advisory, US citizens currently in Indonesia should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an extended period. US citizens seeking to depart Indonesia should make their own travel arrangements as soon as practicable, since commercial flights are still available, albeit at significantly reduced levels,” the website says.
US Embassy updates on the COVID-19 virus can be found HERE.
Community caring
The Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) distributed 1,000 home sanitation packages to communities in South Jakarta on Wednesday, April 4 as part of the school’s collaboration with the COVID-19 Response Center and under the umbrella of the Artha Graha Foundation. For more information and to get involved, contact JIS Head of School Tarek Razik on WA at 62 811-8332-101. Tarek sent us this video of the exercise here.
Good Practices
Special thanks go out to AmCham member the Good Practices clinic for sending us its latest newsletter. Read through for helpful tips on staying safe and healthy during the crisis.
The AmCham Office is on work from home status and all face-to-face meetings and events have been postponed. We are having a number of meetings online using the Zoom platform. You will be notified of virtual meetings as they are scheduled.
UPCOMING:
Services Committee, April 7, 8-9:30 am. Online via Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
HR Committee – discussion on impact of COVID-19 on company HR. Via Zoom, April 9, 9am-10:30 am. REGISTER HERE
Stay well
We urge you to send us press releases and other information that we can pass on to the broader AmCham community. If you have items of interest, please email material to: astari.sutjiningtyas@amcham.or.id.
Stay safe, call a doctor if you have a high fever, cough or difficulty breathing. Stay healthy above all else.
