PAN Party Rejects The Mandatory PCR Test Requirement For All Modes Of Transportation: Don't Be Too Paranoid

Chairman of Commission VIII DPR RI Yandri Susanto (Photo: DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The government's plan to make polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests a mandatory requirement for all modes of transportation was immediately rejected by the National Mandate Party (PAN).

Deputy Chairperson of PAN Yandri Susanto assessed that requiring PCR would be a burden as well as an impact on the stagnation of people's mobility.

"It will suppress the movement of the people, I don't agree with that," Yandri told reporters, Wednesday, October 27.

Let alone for all modes of transportation, the Chairman of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) emphasized that PAN also rejected the issuance of the Minister of Home Affairs Instruction (Inmendagri) 53/2021 which required PCR tests for airplane passengers.

"Sometimes the price of PCR is more expensive than the ticket price, this will pressure people to travel," said Yandri.

Yandri admitted that there were still positive confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Indonesia. However, he said, the government had claimed that COVID-19 was under control.

"It's true that COVID-19 hasn't passed yet, but we shouldn't be too paranoid about that. Don't pretend that this is a serious threat, but we haven't found the best solution for the community," Yandri said.

As is known, the government has just issued a regulation requiring PCR tests for airplane passengers. This step was taken following the anticipation of a new wave of COVID-19.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that his party was aware of the many criticisms about the PCR obligation as a condition for flying. However, he said the main goal is to balance relaxation with the return of community activities.

"Gradually, the use of the PCR test will also be applied to other transportation as long as it anticipates the Nataru period (Christmas and New Year)," he explained at a press conference related to Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM), Monday, October 25.