Jakarta, IO – President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo approved the measure to provide assistance to victims of atypical progressive acute kidney failure (AKI) which impacted many children in February.
Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy explained the mechanism would be carried out by the government, per Kompas, Saturday (30/9).
The compensation would be distributed through the Social Affairs Ministry based on data from the Health Ministry. Meanwhile, the budget will be coordinated with the Finance Ministry.
He also emphasized that the provision of government assistance was carried out on humanitarian grounds and as a symbol of state presence in an emergency situation.
“President Joko Widodo is pleased to provide compensation as a form of condolences and concern for the victims who can still be saved,” said Muhadjir.
“The government wants to show empathy,” he continued.
On September 26, the Health Ministry recorded 326 victims across 27 provinces who either recovered or died from AKI. Most of the victims are in Jakarta.
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AKI is thought to be caused by ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG) poisoning. The substances are usually used as solvents in liquid medicines or cough syrups.
Nevertheless, Muhadjir also said that law enforcement must continue. “Law enforcement process must continue so that it can truly provide a sense of justice because this concerns the lives of many people,” he said. (un)