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Transportation Minister Budi Karya on the mend after contracting COVID-19
The government announced on March 14 that Budi, who has long suffered from asthma, had tested positive for COVID-19
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Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi (left) and Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Wishnutama (right) talk to the press in Jakarta on Feb. 7. (JP/Riza Roidila Mufti)
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ransportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi is reportedly improving as he undergoes medical treatment at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital (RSPAD) in Jakarta after testing positive for COVID-19.
“He was moved to [a different ward] in the hospital two days ago, and two medical officers from the hospital confirmed that the minister’s condition has improved,” State Palace spokesman Fadjroel Rahman said during an online discussion on Saturday.
Fadjroel expressed his hope that Budi will quickly recover from the disease, considering his pivotal role in the government. Budi was one of the high-ranking officials who was directly involved in the evacuation process of 238 Indonesians from the city of Wuhan in China, as well as 257 Indonesians from the virus-stricken World Dream and Diamond Princess cruise ships, he pointed out.
Transportation Ministry spokeswoman Adita Irawati also confirmed that Budi was in stable condition.
“He’s getting better every day, but I can’t keep on providing updates because I don’t receive his updates all the time,” Adita said.
The government announced on March 14 that Budi, who has long suffered from asthma, had tested positive for COVID-19 and had been hospitalized at RSPAD. Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Ministry Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan was later appointed acting transportation minister in his absence.
After the announcement that Budi had tested positive, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and his Cabinet were also tested for the disease. Jokowi announced earlier this week that he and his wife, First Lady Iriana, had tested negative. The test results of the other ministers have yet to be announced.
Besides Budi, Bogor Mayor Bima Arya Sugiarto also tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from a work-related trip in Turkey.
As of Sunday morning, Indonesia has reported 450 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 38 deaths. (glh)
