Long-distance Train Passengers Can Travel, Before Using GeNose Test First!

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan while testing the GeNose COVID-19 test kit. (Photo: Doc. PT KAI)

JAKARTA - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) or KAI has allowed the rapid detection of COVID-19 GeNose as a requirement for prospective passengers to take long-distance trains from 26 January to 8 February 2021.

Public Relations Manager of PT KAI (Persero) Daop 7 Madiun Ixfan Hendriwintoko said the regulation was in accordance with the Ministry of Transportation Circular Letter Number 11 of 2021 concerning the Extension of the Implementation of Guidelines for People Travel by Rail Transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Apart from using the 'rapid test' antigen or 'PCR test', current train users can also use GeNose," said Ixfan citing PT KAI's VP Public Relations Joni Martinus, quoted from Antara, Wednesday, January 27.

The certificate of negative COVID-19 results from the "GeNose Test" or "Rapid Test" Antigen or "RT PCR" is taken within a maximum period of 3x24 hours before departure. However, this requirement is not mandatory for train customers who are under 12 years of age.

Currently, PT KAI is in the preparation stage with Gadjah Mada University and PT Rajawali Nusantara Indonesia for the procurement of the GeNose Test equipment. The plan, this tool will be available in stages starting February 5, 2021.

"In the early stages, the service is planned to be provided at Gambir and Yogyakarta stations first," he said.

Even so, PT KAI still provides antigen "rapid test" services at 46 stations for Rp105 thousand. Customers who want to do an antigen "rapid test" at the station are required to prepare long-distance train tickets or booking codes that have been paid in full and an original identity card.

The 46 stations that provide antigen "rapid test" in the operational area of Daop 7 Madiun are Madiun, Blitar, Jombang, Kediri, Kertosono and Tulungagung stations.

In addition to a COVID-19 free certificate, train customers are also required to be in good health. Among them, body temperature is below 37.3 degrees Celsius, wear a three-layer mask or medical mask, and are advised to wear long-sleeved clothing.

Ixfan added, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, every train customer is required to comply with health protocols and implement "3M", namely wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining distance.

"KAI fully supports the policies set by the government in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through the rail transportation mode," he said.