The step is part of the #CovidsafeBUMNprogram to create coronavirus-free state-owned enterprises (BUMN).

The program kicked off with 800 people taking the test at the Gelora Bung Karno stadium’s parking area in Jakarta on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. The 800 participants are part of 5,500 people to be tested in Jakarta. Free swab tests will also be conducted in various cities in South Sumatra, West Sumatra, Bali, Central Java and East Java. Swab testing is crucial given the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia. 

“This our step to help accelerate the detection of [people carrying] COVID-19. With support from Bunda Hospital and the JSK Group, we offer theswab test free of charge for the public, especially productive staff of small-scale enterprises (UKM) in several cities across Indonesia,” said BNI President Director HerrySidharta when launching the BNI Berbagi30,000 Swab Test Program at the Gelora Bung Karno stadium in Jakara on May 20, 2020.

The event was also attended by State-owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir and Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria.

PT Bundamedik Chief Commissioner Dr. Ivan Rizal Sini SpOG said that Bunda Hospital and LaboratoriumDiagnos under the BHMS Group had carried out a check on RT-PCR when the pandemic had just entered Indonesia and was appointed by the Ministry of Health as a private laboratory network for COVID-19.With infrastructure, laboratory technology and professional workers in place, Bunda Hospital is able to conduct up to 750 tests per day.

“From the early beginning, we and the Jakarta Heath Office have adopted a reporting system, conducted epidemiology monitoring and followed up cases,because that an important part of accelerating the handling of COVID-19 cases. Based on the experience, BNI teams up with BMHS and the Bunda Hospital network to distribute the results of the swab samples in several regions in Indonesia, which hopefully, will not only quickly break the chain of coronavirus transmission but also accelerate the recovery of productivity,” he said.

Meanwhile, JSK Group CEO Dennis Jang Sang Kyu expressed his gratitude for engaging JSK in the humanitarian program BNI Berbagi 30.000 Swab Test. JSK is morally compelled in any activities in the fight against COVID-19 in Indonesia.

“The swab tests method with a tent and booth and negative/positive pressure machine resembles the one applied in South Korea. And the result is that it can endpeople’s worries. Many people are worried about going to a hospital to take the swab test,” he remarked.

A series of measures

BNI’s care for supporting preventive measures against COVID-19 started several weeks ago. In early March, BNI and several other state-owned enterprises sent about 160,000 masks to Hong Kong and other overseas cities through BNI overseas branch offices. The masks are used by Indonesian migrant workers in countries that were exposed to COVID-19 earlier.

BNI was also the first institution to utilize drones to spray disinfectant at 50 points in Greater Jakarta. BNI generated 30 assisting partners in various regions to produce protective equipment for medical workers, both hazmat suits and masks.

“Recently, BNI has distributed 50,000 pieces of personal protective equipment to medical teams at 182 COVID-19 referral hospitals throughout Indonesia, complete with hand sanitizer, donations for medical officers and donationsto support school children. The aid totaledRp 11.3 billion,” Herry said.

BNI has also channeled medical equipment to hospitals, such as ambulances, PCR swab test diagnostic devices, ventilators and rapid test tools, valued together at Rp 42.9 billion. This is not to mention staple foodaid for families in needs, foundations and orphanages as well as particular community groups.

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