Ombudsman Asks Government To Close International Arrivals During Emergency PPKM

ILLUSTRATION/SOEKARNO-HATTA AIRPORT

JAKARTA - The Ombudsman asked the government to close the doors of international arrivals during the implementation of the Emergency Restrictions on Community Activities (PPKM). This is because the entry permit is inconsistent with the applicable restrictions.

"The government needs to temporarily close the doors of international arrivals during Emergency PPKM to maximize the impact of suppressing the spread of COVID-19. The government's firmness in implementing policies during the Emergency PPKM period is very much needed", said Ombudsman Member, Robert Na Endi Jaweng, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, July 14.

He believes that the government needs to make and implement consistent policies so that the implementers and the public are not confused.

"So, it is very important to ensure that policy consistency within the framework of the emergency is enforced", said Robert referring to the implementation of Emergency PPKM in the Java and Bali islands on July 3-20, 2021.

In the same statement, Robert understands that the opening of border gates and international arrivals has been regulated by the Minister of Transportation Circular No. 47 of 2021 concerning Guidelines for the Implementation of International Travel by Air Transport during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

However, the regulation is not consistent with the implementation of Emergency PPKM, which is currently also applicable in several areas outside Java and Bali, Robert said.

The Ombudsman also suggested that the government should assess the domestic COVID-19 handling capacity, before opening the doors of international arrivals.

“Indonesia is currently in a very serious situation in dealing with the spread of COVID-19. We see that the Government's capacity is still inadequate when compared to other countries that have opened their international doors”, said Robert.

Therefore, the Ombudsman will make a systemic study of government policies related to the COVID-19 response to map out rules that are inconsistent or conflicting with each other.

The results of the study, which contain findings in the field as well as suggestions, will be submitted to the government, particularly the stakeholders involved in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Ombudsman will conduct a systemic study to monitor the implementation of the handling of COVID-19 in the field. We also open complaint posts related to residents who experience obstacles or obstacles in accessing public services, especially health services”, said Robert.