Antigen Test And PCR Obligations Abolished, DPR Members: Don't Complicate Homecoming

Eid homecoming illustration. (Photo: KAI DAOP 1 JAKARTA)

JAKARTA - The flow of Lebaran homecoming in 2022 is believed to be booming. Based on data from the Balitbang of the Ministry of Transportation, it is estimated that there are approximately 79 million people who want to go home.

The government's policy is to eliminate the obligation of antigen swab tests and PCR for people who travel long distances, that's the reason. The revocation of this requirement is stated in the Circular Letter of the Head of BNPB No. 11 of 2022.

For people who travel long distances by air, sea and land, they are no longer required to perform an antigen test or PCR.

Member of Commission VI DPR, Amin Ak asked SOEs in the transportation sector, to comply with the circular letter. He hoped that the community would not be troubled.

"Don't make it difficult for the travelers," Amin said, as quoted by Antara, Saturday, April 2.

In addition, Amin asked the government not to impose a booster vaccine requirement for travelers. According to him, the most important thing is the implementation of health protocols.

He also suggested that the government should open special booster vaccination posts a few days before the homecoming flow takes place for travelers who are interested in being vaccinated.

"I ask the government to assign Transportation BUMN and Health BUMN to prepare a sufficient number of vaccines so that all prospective travelers who have not been vaccinated can be served," Amin said.

For this reason, he wants various SOEs related to transportation services to implement strict procedures in providing the best services for Lebaran travelers this year.

"SOEs that provide homecoming services must implement strict health protocols, both at the departure terminal, during the trip, at rest areas (toll roads), as well as at ports and airports," he said.

According to him, this is important so that there is no transmission of COVID-19 during the homecoming process and the return flow.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, said that antibody booster vaccination is an important protection for travelers going back and forth for Lebaran 2022. This is to minimize the impact of pain when exposed to COVID-19.

"The massive mobility of the community allows for higher transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, booster vaccination is important to help reduce the impact of pain if contracting COVID-19," he said.

Previously, the Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi said that his party had prepared vaccination facilities up to booster doses at airports, ports, stations, and terminals for people going home for Eid 2022.

Budi Karya explained that the Ministry of Transportation would coordinate with related parties in the coming weeks. It will also perform simulations related to this.