Police OTT Officers Who Mark-up Prices On Rapid Test

Kapolda Papua Inspector General Paulus Waterpauw (DOK. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Saber Pungli Papua Task Force Team conducted a hand arrest operation against health workers. This OTT was carried out because officers were suspected of inflating the rapid test price.

"The price for the rapid test at the Jayawijaya Regency representative office at Sentani Airport is Rp. 250 thousand," said Papua Police Chief Inspector General Paulus Waterpauw, confirmed by VOI, Thursday, October 22.

Whereas the highest cost limit for the rapid test is based on a circular letter from the Ministry of Health of IDR 150 thousand. There are four officers of the Jayawijaya Regency representative office at Sentani Airport, Jayapura who were affected by the hand arrest operation (OTT).

From the OTT, the police secured four officers. Rp. 15 million was confiscated as evidence, including the registration book and the passenger rapid test results.

Previously, the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) issued regulations regarding the highest limit for independent rapid test antibody tests. This rule must be a benchmark in carrying out a rapid test.

The regulation is set forth in a circular number HK.02.02 / I / 2875/2020. In this circular, the price or highest tariff for antibody rapid test is IDR 150,000.

Director General of Health Services of the Ministry of Health, Bambang Wibowo, said that this rule was made because rapid test prices varied, and made the public confused. With this rule, the community will not be confused and can prevent certain individuals from seeking profit.

"The varying prices for carrying out the rapid test cause confusion in the community. Therefore, the government's participation in the antibody rapid test is needed so that people do not feel that they are being used for profit," Bambang said in a circular quoted by VOI, Tuesday, July 7.