Minister Of Transportation Budi Karya: There Is No COVID-19 Transmission On Board

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi. (Photo: Ministry of Transportation)

JAKARTA - Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Budi Karya Sumadi said that in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, health protocols in the transportation sector, especially flights, must be carried out intact and strictly. This is to provide confidence that flying remains safe even during a pandemic.

Furthermore, Budi explained, in formulating policies in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Transportation always cooperates with various stakeholders, from campuses, pilots, to associations. So that the regulations that are born run well and are strict.

"The community is currently seized with a fear of being exposed, a fear of being exposed to the crushed plane. I think what is being done must balance how colleagues maintain health protocols," he said, in a virtual discussion, Wednesday , 23 September.

Budi said that the health protocol must be carried out from the time the passenger arrives at the airport to the plane. For example, doing rapid tests, checking body temperature, keeping the airport and airplane areas clean.

"All airports, without exception airports in Papua, Aceh, North Kalimantan, must do the same thing with high standards. Because we don't want a work unit or infrastructure that causes people to be exposed. We have to guard closely and don't tolerate it, "he explained.

Furthermore, Budi said, it is important so that all parties get certainty that health protocols are well maintained. According to Budi, the air sector is one of the most responsive sectors to provide security against health protocols.

"I appreciate the air sector because in this sector relatively no one has been exposed to COVID-19. Therefore, what has been done is done consistently," he said.

Budi also requested that all parties involved in the aviation industry carry out a campaign on aviation health protocols through social media. He believes this will increase public confidence to fly amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The positive things that we claim about HEPA technology and about our friendliness, our consistency with this health protocol should also be shared on social media. I know that fellow pilots, flight attendants have accounts or followers that many have done that. , things that make the world of aviation better, "he explained.

The absence of COVID-19 is still ongoing, so we must not ignore health protocols. Budi said that due to the pandemic, the air transport sector contracted by up to 30 percent. For this reason, the application of health protocols to improve flight stretches again.

"Because the President hopes that the world of aviation will become a measure for economic movement. I want us to remain consistent, be vigilant, not to neglect implementing health protocols and have to move on. We must believe we can develop and can serve the community safely and comfortably," he said.