Indonesia's Daily Oxygen Needs Reach 1.2 Million Cubic Meters

Based on PATH data, Indonesia requires 1,249,502 cubic meters (m³) of oxygen per day to treat patients infected with the Covid-19 virus as of Thursday, July 8, 2021. This amount represents 56% of the total oxygen needs in Southeast Asia.

Malaysia follows with a daily oxygen requirement of 295,046 m³. Daily oxygen needs in Thailand and the Philippines are 256,995 m³ and 249,396 m³, respectively.

The high oxygen demand in Indonesia is in line with the surge in corona cases. In fact, additional corona cases in Indonesia reached a record high of 38,391 on Thursday, July 8, 2021.

However, annual oxygen production in Indonesia is not yet optimal. The amount is only 639,900 tons, or 74% of total capacity.

Furthermore, only 181,300 tons of oxygen are used for medical purposes. The remaining 458,600 tons of oxygen are used for industrial needs.

To address this issue, the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) will divert oxygen from industry to medical use by up to 90%, or the equivalent of 575,000 tons. The Ministry will also import 6 m³ and 1 m³ cylinders for use in additional emergency rooms in hospitals.

In addition, Kemenperin will bring in 7,100 oxygen concentrator units and 7 oxygen generator units. Regulatory easing will also be implemented to ensure the smooth flow of oxygen supply.

On the other hand, the rate of corona transmission needs to be minimized. The public can help prevent the spread of corona by diligently implementing the 3M health protocols: wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands with soap.