Check Out The Latest Rules For The COVID-19 Task Force, Echelon I And Above, Including Members Of The DPR, May Self-quarantine

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JAKARTA - The COVID-19 Task Force has issued the latest regulations regarding the quarantine of travelers from abroad. This rule is stated in Circular Number 25 of 2021 concerning International Travel Health Protocols during the COVID-19 Pandemic which regulates quarantine obligations for Indonesian citizens and foreigners from abroad.

This provision replaces SE Number 23 of 2021 which requires every international traveler to perform an RT-PCR test upon arrival, a 10 x 24 hour quarantine, and a second RT-PCR retest on the ninth day of quarantine.

Spokesman for the COVID-19 Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, explained that in this new regulation, there is a dispensation for state officials equivalent to echelon I and above to be allowed to self-quarantine at their respective residences after official trips from abroad.

"The implementation of self-quarantine at their respective residences can be given to Indonesian citizens of echelon I level and above who return from official trips abroad," said Wiku when confirmed, Wednesday, December 15.

Then, are members of the DPR RI included in that category? Wiku explained that the leadership and members of the DPR RI were equivalent to echelon I officials and above.

"The leadership of the DPR RI and members of the DPR RI are state officials as stated in the 1945 Constitution," said Wiku.

When re-confirmed, Wiku confirmed that members of the Indonesian House of Representatives were allowed to self-quarantine. "Yes (Members of the DPR, equivalent to echelon I officials and above, may self-quarantine)," he continued.

However, officials who are not on official trips abroad and return to Indonesia cannot apply for a dispensation to reduce the duration of quarantine or apply for self-quarantine and must carry out centralized quarantine at the hotel.

This self-quarantine dispensation, said Wiku, only applies to individuals and must be submitted at least 3 days before arrival in Indonesia to the COVID-19 Task Force and based on the evaluation of the relevant ministries/agencies.

"The entourage for official needs must carry out a centralized quarantine," he said.

Wiku emphasized that surveillance will still be carried out while Indonesian citizens undergo self-quarantine. The COVID-19 Task Force provides a number of strict conditions, such as the obligation to report RT-PCR results on the ninth day of quarantine and ensure that supervision is carried out until the end of the quarantine period.

In addition, the Task Force also provides exceptions to quarantine obligations that only apply to foreigners with the criteria for diplomatic and service visa holders, foreign officials and entourages making state visits, delegates from G-20 member countries, the TCA scheme.

"Exemptions from the quarantine obligation of Indonesian citizens with urgent circumstances, such as having a life-threatening health condition that requires special attention, as well as conditions of mourning, such as a nuclear family member dies," explained Wiku.

Meanwhile, everyone outside the mentioned categories is required to quarantine in a centralized location or hotel at their own expense.

The determination of quarantine locations in the Jakarta area is divided into two schemes. First, Indonesian citizens who are PMI, students who have completed their studies abroad, ASN who travel on assignments are carried out at Wisma Pademangan, Wisma Atlet Kemayoran, Rusun Pasar Rumput, and Rusun Nagrak.

Second, quarantine of travelers can also be carried out in more than 105 hotels that have obtained CHSE status and based on the recommendations of the COVID-19 Task Force using personal costs.