DKI Supports Elimination Of PCR-Antigen Requirements For Travellers, Deputy Governor Riza: Will Enter Endemic Period

Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria (Photo: Diah Ayu Wardani/VOI)

JAKARTA - Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Ahmad Riza Patria admitted that his party followed the central government's decision to abolish PCR and antigen tests as a condition for domestic travel.

Riza views that this policy is one of the government's preparations for the transition from a pandemic to a COVID-19 endemic.

"That is the policy of the central government. We will obey the central government's policies. We are entering an endemic period," said Riza at DKI City Hall, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, March 8.

Riza explained that the easing of activity restrictions is currently being carried out by a number of countries. For example, Saudi Arabia has no longer imposed a quarantine period for foreigners entering the country.

"In Saudi Arabia there is no quarantine and (requirements) for antigens, you can worship. There is only one condition, wearing masks and vaccines. In fact, in Europe, masks have been removed," said Riza.

It is known, the Chair of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Suharyanto, has officially removed the PCR test or antigen swab as a condition for domestic or domestic travel. However, the abolition of this requirement only applies to people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 at least two doses.

This is stated in Circular Letter Number 11 of 2022 concerning Provisions for Travel of Domestic People During the COVID-19 Pandemic which was issued as of March 8, 2022.

"PPDN (domestic travelers) who have received a second dose of vaccination or a third dose of vaccination (booster) are not required to show a negative result of the RT-PCR test or rapid antigen test," said Suharyanto quoted in SE. 3x24 hour PCR or 1x24 hour antigen is still valid for people who are still undergoing the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination.

"PPDN who have received the first dose of vaccination are required to show a negative result of the RT-PCR test whose samples were taken within 3 x 24 hours or the rapid antigen test whose samples were taken within 1 x 24 hours before departure as a condition of travel," said Suharyanto.

Then, for travelers with special health conditions or comorbid diseases that prevent travelers from receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, they are also required to show a negative result of the RT-PCR test 3x24 hours or rapid antigen test 1x24 hours before departure.

Then, travelers with special health conditions or comorbidities are also required to attach a doctor's certificate from a government hospital stating that the person concerned has not and/or cannot take the COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, children under the age of 6 are not required to have a COVID-19 test.