20200406 Corona Virus Indonesia

Indonesia and other Southeast Asian nations have seen a rapid rise in infections, raising concerns that the region of over 650 million people could be the next hotbed. (Nikkei montage/Getty Images/AP) 

Indonesia in 'worst' position as coronavirus attacks ASEAN bloc

Raincoats and cling wrap double as defenses in weak health systems

JAKARTA -- Evawangi, a doctor at a public hospital on the outskirts of Jakarta, grows more worried every day.

Her hospital has seen an increase in suspected coronavirus patients admitted over the past two weeks, but it is quickly running out of protective gear for staff members. Many are donning cheap plastic raincoats to shield themselves from the virus.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.