Aryo was the second official to have died of COVID-19 complications after accompanying Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo on a working visit to East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku and East Kalimantan.

The ministry’s public relations and foreign cooperation bureau head, Agung Tri Prasetyo, has confirmed the death, adding that Aryo had undergone intensive care after testing positive for COVID-19 on Sept. 9.

“Earlier today at 4:50 a.m., he died at the Army Hospital [in Jakarta],” Agung said on Monday, as quoted by kompas.com.

Before Aryo, Berau Regent H. Muharram died on Tuesday after being treated for COVID-19 at Pertamina Hospital in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan.

Prior to testing positive for the virus, Muharram had accompanied Edhy on a visit to Maratua, Berau, on Sept. 1 to release 300 turtle hatchlings into the wild.

Muharram was admitted to the hospital on Sept. 9. On the same day, a swab test showed him to be positive for COVID-19. He announced the diagnosis on Instagram and apologized for what he said was his negligence in interacting with people.

Edhy, along with several other local officials, tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after the working visit.

House of Representatives Commission IV deputy chairman Daniel Johan has confirmed Edhy's COVID-19 diagnosis and has urged anyone who had contact with the minister to get tested.

Ministry special staffer Andreau Pribadi previously said Edhy’s health had been improving and that the minister was able to communicate well. (syk)