Jokowi Asks For The Price Of PCR Tests To Drop To IDR 300 Thousand, Ridwan Kamil: If It Is Possible, Make It Even Cheaper

West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil/PHOTO VIA ANTARA

BANDUNG - West Java Governor M Ridwan Kamil hopes that the price of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests for the needs of residents traveling outside the city can be pegged or set as cheap as possible without compromising the quality and safety of the test.

"The point is that it has to be as cheap as possible but security must be really safe, yes or as safe as possible," said Kang Emil, Governor Ridwan Kamil's nickname at the Sate Bandung building, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, October 26.

Previously, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) requested that the price of the PCR test be reduced to IDR 300 thousand following the mandatory use of the PCR test for the requirements for aircraft transportation modes which have received a lot of criticism lately.

Regarding President Jokowi's wish, Kang Emil supports that the price of the PCR test can be as cheap as possible.

"If Mr. Jokowi directs it at IDR 300 thousand, of course, it will relieve people. But if it is possible, it can be even cheaper. Second, don't take too long (the test) because not all people traveling are not for tourism," he said.

Previously, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, as well as the Coordinator of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) Java-Bali Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, said President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) requested that the price of the PCR test be reduced to IDR 300.000 following the mandatory use of PCR tests for aircraft transportation requirements, which has received a lot of criticism lately. In addition, the President asked the President to extend the validity period of the test.

"The President's directive is that the PCR price can be lowered to IDR 300.000 and is valid for 3 x 24 hours for plane trips," he said.

Luhut explained that the mandatory use of PCR carried out on aircraft transportation modes is aimed primarily at balancing the relaxation carried out on community activities, especially in the tourism sector.