Pattimura Airport In Ambon Is Unable To Serve PCR Test

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The management of PT Angkasa Pura Branch of Pattimura International Airport Ambon, Maluku, has not been able to carry out polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inspection services for travelers because there is no equipment to check for COVID-19.

"In the airport area itself, we say that what is already running is rapid antigen in collaboration with Bhakti Rahayu Hospital, and its officers are next to the airport parking lot", said PT Angkasa Pura management at Pattimura Arifani International Airport in Ambon, quoted from Antara, Thursday, August 12.

However, the PCR service at Ambon's Pattimura International Airport cannot yet be implemented for travelers.

Arifani's explanation was also conveyed in a hearing meeting with the Maluku Provincial Representative Council's (DPRD) COVID-19 Supervision Sub-Team 1 regarding complaints from travelers at Ambon's Pattimura Airport for rapid antigen and PCR issues.

According to him, for Angkasa Pura itself, only six airports have been running in Indonesia, namely Bali Airport, Juanda Airport in Surabaya (East Java), Lombok Airport (NTB), Semarang and Solo Airports (Central Java), and Makassar Airport (South Sulawesi).

"So for these six airports, there are already PCR services for travelers within the airport complex", said Arif.

"Yesterday, I coordinated with the management of Bhakti Rahayu Hospital, but they admitted that they did not have the equipment, except for the Siloam Hospital, so we did not carry out PCR examinations at the airport location", he said again.

For the implementation of mass vaccination in the airport lobby, it had been carried out for the previous two weeks.

He added, for this PCR provision, it is indeed in accordance with the provisions of the Ministry of Home Affairs number 32 in 2021, at least D-2 is carried out for everyone who will travel.

Meanwhile, Made Dwipayana from Airport Operation explained, related to PCR, at Imdagri number 23 it determined that the travel requirements for Level 3 and 4 Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) must be mandatory for PCR on D-2 for every traveler on D-2.

"We from the airport also feel confused, because in the Maluku region for travelers from Ambon City to Saumlaki, Tanimbar Islands Regency, for example, if you follow Level 3 PPKM rules, PCR must be done", explained Made.

However, the Health Service only permits mandatory rapid antigen for every traveler within the Maluku region, even though it is supposed to be for Level 3 PPKM status, PCR must be carried out.