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U.S. companies support COVID-19 relief in Indonesia, Southeast Asia

  • PND
  • August 13, 2021
Healthcare worker in COVID-19 protective face shield and gear

The Global Task Force on Pandemic Response — a public-private partnership of major U.S. companies organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with support from Business Roundtable — has announced commitments in support of COVID-19 relief in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

In partnership with the US-ASEAN Business Council, the American Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, and in cooperation with the government of Indonesia, Global Task Force members will provide medical supplies and protective equipment in areas of highest need. Indonesia now accounts for approximately one in five fatalities globally as it struggles with shortages of oxygen and hospital capacity.

Announced during a meeting between Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi and senior executives from nearly two dozen U.S. companies, commitments include a $1 million grant from Google.org to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to help the Indonesian Red Cross Society supply oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and diagnostic equipment; and a $1 million investment by Microsoft in support of programs to increase Indonesia’s access to oxygen supplies and equipment and other medical supplies. Deloitte will help expand hospital wards and triage medical care for COVID patients in Indonesia, while mining company Freeport-McMoRan, through its subsidiary PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), is producing and distributing medical-grade oxygen.

“The situation on the ground in Indonesia is dire. As the fourth largest nation in the world and the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is a significant market for U.S. industry,” said US-ASEAN Business Council president and CEO Alexander Feldman. “In these challenging times, the American business community stands ready to lend its support, and we are honored to work with the Global Task Force and the Government of Indonesia to ensure the Indonesian people get the medical supplies and assistance they need.”

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