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West Java launches mobile app for COVID-19 updates
Users can also find emergency contact numbers and the referral hospitals tasked to handle COVID-19 cases
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A user accesses the Pikobar application launched by the West Java administration on Friday. West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil said the mobile app provided updates on COVID-19. (JP/Arya Dipa)
W
est Java Governor Ridwan Kamil launched a mobile application named Pikobar on Friday designed to publish information and updates related to the transmission of COVID-19 in Indonesia’s most populous province.
"The purpose is for the residents to get accurate information," Ridwan said on Friday.
The app, which is currently available for Android-based smartphones only, shows the latest data of patients positive for COVID-19, as well as people under general monitoring and patients under surveillance.
As of Saturday morning, 41 people have tested positive in West Java, with seven fatalities. The app also shows that 1,506 people are currently under general monitoring and 136 patients under surveillance.
The app displays a link that connects to the province’s COVID-19 information and Coordination Center website.
Besides displaying COVID-19 data in West Java, Ridwan said, the application was also connected to other open source-based websites that showed national and global data.
"So, people will understand that this is not just an issue in West Java and Jakarta but a national and global issue. Hopefully, this will raise people’s vigilance," he said.
Users can also find emergency contact numbers and the referral hospitals tasked to handle COVID-19 cases. The app also provides various informative COVID-19 related videos.
Ridwan explained that Pikobar was also linked to kitabisa.com, a crowdfunding site to help procure health supplies. Health workers in hospitals, community health centers (Puskesmas) and the other clinics who need masks or personal protective equipment can directly apply for assistance.
"There are 70,000 Puskesmas [in West Java]. They just need to [fill in] the form and we will submit it to the suppliers," the governor said.
The administration also welcomes criticism about the information services, which is collected through a survey feature in the app.
Pikobar is also connected to Jabar Saber Hoax to help people check the validity of any COVID-19 information circulating on social media.
Other features that are still under development include the use of artificial intelligence to describe COVID-19 symptoms and a question and answer section with a physician. (aly)
