Regarding Spike In COVID-19 Cases, Minister Of Transportation Conducts Random Tests At KRL Stations

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi (doc. Kemenhub)

JAKARTA - The increasing number of daily COVID-19 cases has made the government take precautionary measures. Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Budi Karya Sumadi asked PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI) to conduct a random test on Jabodetabek electric train (KRL) passengers.

"I received a report that the number of KRL passenger movements per day tends to increase, which is around 400-500 thousand passengers per day. Even though in normal times it can be above one million passengers, we must react to this considering that currently there is an increase in COVID-19 cases", said Minister of Transportation Budi Karya, quoted from Antara, Saturday, June 19.

Budi Karya said KRL is one of people's favorite modes of transportation. Therefore, special attention is needed as part of efforts to jointly suppress the spread of COVID-19.

"Therefore, we assigned PT KAI to conduct random checks at main stations such as Gambir, Senen, Manggarai, and other main stations crossing Bekasi, Bogor, and Tangerang", he added.

The Minister of Transportation explained that this random test needs to be carried out to warn the public that currently there is an increase in COVID-19 cases and it is hoped that people will not travel if there is no urgent need.

"We urge the public if they are not so fit and feel sick to avoid unnecessary travel and movement", said the Minister of Transportation.

The Minister of Transportation revealed that the Directorate General of Land Transportation will provide buses at a number of station points as alternative transportation so that the conditions of train passengers are not crowded.

Meanwhile, the President Director of PT. KAI Didiek Hartantyo stated that he was ready to carry out random tests at several main stations. He explained that his party had implemented strict health protocols for KRL passengers, such as requiring passengers to wear masks, wash their hands, indicate where to sit and where to stand so that passengers can keep their distance, and limit the passenger capacity to only 74 passengers in each train car.

Based on National Board for Disaster Management data, on Friday (18/6), the total number of COVID-19 cases in Jakarta reached 463.552 cases. The data was recorded after there were new cases of 4.737 cases.