Preventing COVID-19 Variant Omicron, Ministry Of Transportation Tightens The Returning Of Indonesian Migrant Workers By Land

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Transportation through the Directorate General of Land Transportation has issued regulations for international travel using land transportation for Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) and independent travelers who will return to the country. A new rule was issued to prevent the entry of a new variant of COVID-19, namely B.1.1.529 or Omicron.

The regulation is contained in Circular Letter Number 104 of 2021 concerning the Second Amendment to Circular Letter of the Minister of Transportation 83 of 2021 concerning Guidelines for the Implementation of International Travel by Land Transportation During the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

The Director-General of Land Transportation, Budi Setiyadi, said that there are conditions that must be met by PMI and Indonesian citizens who want to return to the country.

"We still allow Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) travelers from abroad to enter Indonesia on condition that they follow strict health protocols. However, there are provisions that have been adjusted in SE 104 of 2021," he said in a written statement, Tuesday, November 30.

Budi explained that the restrictions on PMI travel by land were limited to two entrances for international passenger travel. The entrance to land transportation can only be through the Aruk Border Crossing Post (PLBN) and Entikong State Border Post (PLBN), Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan.

"The flow of arrivals for Indonesian Migrant Workers traveling by land transportation mode at the Malaysia-West Kalimantan border, namely for travelers due to deportation, will be facilitated and collected by the Indonesian Consul General in Sarawak, delivered by bus at a cost borne by the Indonesian Consul General," he said.

Then, they were then directed to the border and directed to the PLBN Building by TNI officers and the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI) for further data collection.

Meanwhile, said Budi, independent travelers can use their personal expenses from the workplace to the border and be directed to the PLBN Building for further data collection.

Furthermore, data collection for PMI travelers is carried out in four stages. First, the rapid antigen test. Second, checking documents, identity, and luggage (CIQ) of travelers in accordance with the provisions of the legislation.

Third, determining the required quarantine place. Finally, RT-PCR is carried out, one day after international travelers arrive at the quarantine location.

"Meanwhile, regarding data collection on health requirements for international travelers at PLBN Entikong and Aruk, they can show a complete dose of vaccine card, but if they have not vaccinated, they will be vaccinated by officers," he said.

Then, said Budi, travelers must also show a negative RT-PCR result in the country of origin whose samples were taken within a maximum period of 3x24 hours before the departure time.

"On arrival, RT-PCR retests will be carried out for international travelers and are required to undergo quarantine for 7x24 hours. Meanwhile, PMI travelers from the countries/regions mentioned above can still enter Indonesian territory by retesting the RT-PCR upon arrival and are required to undergo a 14 x 24-hour quarantine," he explained.

The countries in question are Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, and Lesotho.

Handling of travelers who are positive for COVID-19

Budi said if the RT-PCR results were positive, quarantine would be carried out in Entikong, Aruk, Pontianak, or a location determined by the West Kalimantan Provincial Task Force.

Meanwhile, Budi continued, for international travelers, a second RT-PCR test will be carried out with two conditions. First, on the 6th day of quarantine, for international travelers who are quarantined for a duration of 7x24 hours.

Second, for those who quarantine with a duration of 14x24 hours, the test will be carried out on the 13th day of quarantine.

"If the results of this second test are negative, we urge travelers to continue to self-quarantine for 14 days. However, if the results are positive, they will be treated at the hospital," he explained.