Dear Esteemed INSYMA 17 Participants,

In regards to the most current Corona virus spread situation and condition as of today, Thursday, February 6, 2020 the committee notifies and decides as follows:

After an intense discussion with the Republic of Indonesia Embassy in Hanoi, the Republic of Indonesia in Ho Chi Minh City and Ubaya leaders; considering Vietnam Prime Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) statements (attached), the very high risk the committee will bear, the 10th infected Corona virus case in Vietnam, several airports that participants need to transit, we apologize and regrettably decide to cancel INSYMA 17 in Vietnam. Frankly, this decision was really hard to make, but considering the current situation, the committee determines that this is the best decision for all INSYMA 17 stakeholders of committee, participants, co hosts, government, state, and so on.

To be accountable for this INSYMA 17 organization, the committee confirmed that INSYMA 17 will be held in Surabaya on February 20, 2020 through live-video conference and video recording options. Please inform your intention either to present via video conference or recording by Tuesday, 11 February 2020, 12 noon to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Moreover, all submitted papers from participants have all been submitted to the publisher of the proceeding. Discount of IDR 1,000,000 is given for INSYMA 17 participants who participate in INSYMA 18 next year.

Please find attached relevant letters that we used as reference to take this difficult decision as follows:

1. Prime Minister Statement in Vietnamese and English-translated version (yellow highlight on the relevant point number 10 saying “- Limiting the organization of meetings and conferences with a large number of participants except for really necessary cases and to serve the prevention and control of epidemics.);

2. Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs Circular statement (red arrow on the relevant point number 5 saying “Restricting crowds of people; suspending festivals which have not yet been opened; special cases must be approved by the Prime Minister; reducing the scale of festival that has already been held; ii. Tour companies are requested to cancel tours ..... ).

We are still waiting for other two letters from our INSYMA partner, Ba Ria Vung Tau University and local government and will send both to all participants once we received it.

3. Ba Ria University Statement Letter

We apologize for any inconvenience caused. Thank you once again for your immense understanding.

Best regards,

Dr. Deddy Marciano