President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and First Lady Iriana have been declared negative for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) following the medical check-up they underwent on Sunday.

“Ibu Iriana and I took the COVID-19 detection test four days ago; the results have just come in. Alhamdulillah [Thank God], we have been declared negative,” Jokowi said in a statement on Thursday.

He went on to convey his respect and appreciation for health workers treating confirmed COVID-19 patients.

“I hereby thank the doctors, nurses and all hospital staff members who have dedicated their energy to serving and treating COVID-19 patients,” he said.

Jokowi once again called on the public to stem the spread of the disease by studying, working and worshiping from home.

“I hope we will all be in good health,” the President said.

Jokowi and his Cabinet were tested after Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi was announced to have tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday. The Health Ministry's disease control and prevention director general, Achmad Yurianto, previously said that their test results would not be announced.

Indonesia's death toll from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has risen to 25 on Thursday, with 68 percent of the fatalities recorded in Jakarta, the hardest-hit region, which has reported the majority of cases in the country.

The number of infected people has reached 309, as the government recorded 82 new cases as of 12 p.m. on Thursday. A total of 210 confirmed cases -- 52 of which were new – were recorded in Jakarta alone. (rfa)