Task Force Asks Indonesian Citizens Returning To Umrah To Take COVID-19 Tests

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, asked Indonesian citizens who returned to Indonesia after carrying out the Umrah pilgrimage to carry out a COVID-19 swab test.

If they do not undergo the test, the congregation is asked to carry out independent isolation for 14 days to prevent the potential spread of the corona virus.

"We appeal to all pilgrims returning to Indonesia to undergo testing and quarantine as well as foreign travelers to minimize transmission," Wiku said in a YouTube broadcast of the Presidential Secretariat, Thursday, November 5.

Wiku said the re-opening of access to Umrah worship by the Saudi Arabian government for pilgrims from Indonesia was proof that the Indonesian government was able to adapt new habits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The re-opening of Umrah during the pandemic is proof of our ability to adapt to the dynamics of life, including the COVID-19 pandemic," said Wiku.

Candidates for congregation, continued Wiku, must follow all the conditions stipulated in the Decree of the Minister of Religion (KMA) Number 719 of 2020 concerning Guidelines for Organizing Umrah Worship Trips during the 2019 Corona Virus Disease Pandemic.

"The policy regarding worship to the holy land will still be monitored and evaluated in accordance with the development of the pandemic in these two countries, we must remember that the implementation of health protocols can effectively reduce the risk of covid-19 transmission," said Wiku.

The guidelines set out in KMA Number 719 of 2020 are as follows:

a. Age according to the provisions of the Government of Saudi Arabia (18 - 50 years);

b. Do not have comorbidities or comorbidities (must meet the requirements of the Indonesian Ministry of Health);

c. Signing a statement letter will not sue other parties for the risks arising from COVID-19;

d. Evidence of free COVID-19 through a PCR / SWAB test issued by a hospital or laboratory that has been verified by the Ministry of Health and is valid for 72 hours from sampling until the time of departure or according to the provisions of the Government of Saudi Arabia.

e. All services to the congregation must follow health protocols in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and during their trip.

f. It is the responsibility of the Hajj and Umrah organizers to quarantine the pilgrims who will depart for Saudi Arabia, after arriving from Saudi Arabia, until they arrive in Indonesia.

g. The departure and repatriation of the congregation is only carried out through the international airport that has been designated by the Menkumham as an international airport during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely: Soekarno-Hatta Banten, Juanda East Java, Sultan Hasanuddin South Sulawesi, and Kualanamu North Sumatra.