Indonesian transportation minister tests positive for COVID-19

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi (center) walks at Kertajati International Airport in Majalengka, West Java, on March 1. The minister tested positive of COVID-19, State Secretary Pratikno announced on Saturday evening. (Antara/Dedhez Anggara)

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has tested positive for the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

State Secretary Pratikno announced on Saturday evening that Budi was identified as Case 76 in a previous Health Ministry announcement and was being treated at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital.

He declined to say when Budi had been admitted to the hospital or when he had likely been infected.

Budi reportedly attended a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Pratikno said President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo had appointed Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan as ad interim transportation minister.

Gatot Subroto Army Hospital doctors said Budi’s condition was improving.

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