Taking A Train Requires PCR, Residents: Why Get Vaccinated If You Take A Train To Have A PCR Test

JAKARTA - The government plans to implement the PCR test for prospective passengers as the train mode of mass transportation. PCR test as a condition for the use of this mode of land transportation. Moreover, taking the train requires PCR, many residents complain.

Responding to this discourse, Wahyudin (28), a prospective train passenger at Pasar Senen Station, Central Jakarta, said that the policy was burdensome for some people.

He objected because he had already vaccinated against COVID-19 so he didn't need a PCR test when he wanted to travel. Moreover, you have to pay extra.

"Why do we vaccinate if there is still a PCR test. Even though the vaccine is to ward off the virus. Continue to make moreover the PCR test," Wahyu told reporters at Pasar Senen Station, Friday, October 28.

He added, especially if you take the train, you have to use PCR, which only travels a short distance like Jakarta-Bogor.

He said the policy would automatically make it difficult for prospective passengers like himself if they had to do a PCR test first.

"It's definitely a hassle, especially if we go back and forth, for example from East Jakarta to Bogor, it's a hassle. I don't agree, even though it's a long distance, except from abroad," he said.

Even though the government has lowered the price of the PCR test for Java-Bali by Rp. 275 thousand, Wahyu considers that the nominal is still too expensive for the lower middle class.

"It's quite heavy, too expensive. There's no need to take the train to have PCR," he said.

Sintia (32) said the same thing. Sintia said that the PCR requirements for taking trains were not necessary, and even made it difficult for train passengers to travel.

"Wow, it's complicated. If you want to take a plane or a ship, it's okay. But if you don't need a train, it's not necessary," he said.

Previously, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menkomarves) Luhut Binsar Panjaitan said he would apply PCR tests for public transportation modes. Gradually the use of the test will also be applied to other transportation during the anticipation of the New Year's Christmas period.

Do you need PCR to take the train? What do you think?