Task Force: Evaluation Of PPLN Quarantine Release Trials In Batam, Bintan And Bali Conducted Periodically

JAKARTA - The Task Force (Satgas) for Handling COVID-19 conveyed that the evaluation of quarantine exemption trials for Overseas Travelers (PPLN) through Batam, Bintan, and Bali entry points will be carried out periodically every week.

"The evaluation will include monitoring the condition of the case, especially the positivity rate from PPLN since the policy was implemented," said Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, March 8.

Especially in the Bali area, Wiku said, PPLN who traveled to Bali must be able to show proof of confirmation of booking and payment of an acceptable tour package, which is valid for a minimum of four days.

"In anticipating the potential for transmission from PPLN who continue their journey from Bali to other areas, vaccine certificates and travel history records in the PeduliLindung application, as well as strict application of health protocols can be used as a form of anticipation to reduce the potential for virus transmission in the community," he explained.

Wiku added that the mandatory retest was still carried out for PPLN to Batam, Bintan, and Bali in the form of an RT-PCR test on the third day after arrival.

Especially for PPLN who are not domiciled in Batam, Bintan, and Bali, they are required to show proof of confirmation of booking and payment of tour packages.

"This obligation is exempted for PPLN Indonesian citizens who have ID cards as residents of the original domicile of the area," he said.

Wiku asked that the discipline of health protocols must still be applied strictly during the trip.

"And it is requested that both transportation service providers and the community guide this," he said.

Previously, the Task Force for Handling COVID-19 issued a Circular on health protocols for special PPLNs arriving at a number of country entrances.

This provision is contained in Circular Letter Number 13 of 2022 which was signed by the Head of the Task Force for Handling COVID-19, Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, as of March 8, 2022.

Upon arrival at the entrance, the Special PPLN for Bali, Batam, and Bintan, must follow the provisions including complying with health protocols, having downloaded the PeduliLindung application and filling out the Indonesian e-HAC, showing a physical or digital certificate having received a minimum second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. 14 days before departure.

PPLN is also required to show negative results through the RT-PCR test in the country of origin whose samples are taken within a maximum period of 2x24 hours before the departure time.

Especially for PPLN who are residents of Bali, Batam, and Bintan and will wait for the results of the RT-PCR examination at their residence and are not allowed to interact with other people before the results of the RT-PCR examination show negative results.