Message From BNPB: International Travelers Have The Right To Perform Comparative PCR Tests

Illustration (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said that international travellers, both foreigners and Indonesian citizens undergoing quarantine at the hotel, have the right to carry out a comparative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. or foreigners who are quarantined have the right to carry out comparative tests at the three laboratories that we have recommended," said Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center (Kapusdatinkom), Abdul Muhari at a press conference with the theme "Brightly Quarantine Foreign Travelers. State" was monitored online in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Friday, July 16. He mentioned the three laboratories, namely the Gatot Soebroto Army Central Hospital Laboratory, the Police Hospital laboratory, and the Dr. National Central General Hospital laboratory. Cipto Mangunkusumo. "So we hope that with this clarification there will be no more news that mentions that it is not permissible to quarantine or be prohibited from getting comparative tests, that is their right and we guarantee that," he said. He added, BNPB as Kasatgas also functions as a regulator. or those who issue regulations, not as implementers. "The implementation of the handling of foreigners or Indonesian citizens entering through airports or seaports is handled by the port health office under the surveillance and quarantine coordinator of the Ministry of Health whose supervision is assisted by TNI and Polri personnel," he explained.

He emphasized that the implementation in the field such as taking PCR swab tests to surveillance of foreigners or Indonesian citizens who were quarantined were not from BNPB. Abdul Muhari's statement at the same time denied the alleged extortion of international travelers involving BNPB about conducting PCR tests at quarantine hotels, BNPB officers did not allow international travelers who are in quarantine receive comparative tests, and offer paid ambulances. Currently, he said, his party is conducting an investigation for individuals who are suspected of violating the rules as the travellers have complained about. "If it is true that there is BNPB there, internally we will investigate from where, from what echelon unit. And we will of course carry out sanctions in accordance with legal provisions," he said. In addition, he added, his party is also investigating hotel management suspected of violating the quarantine. .