Jakarta: The Indonesian government's handling of the coronavirus crisis has been an omni-shambles from the get-go.

The government was in denial for more than a month, as almost every other country in south-east Asia reported cases, claiming it was coronavirus-free.

Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto said, repeatedly, that this was all thanks to the power of prayer and attacked anyone who suggested otherwise.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Credit:AAP

A Harvard University study that suggested it was (basically) impossible there were zero cases was, Terawan claimed, an "insult" to Indonesia.