Remember! New Rules For The COVID Task Force, Overseas Travelers By Land Require A Booster Vaccine

Health workers show the COVID-19 vaccine at the IRTI Monas area, Jakarta/Via ANTARA

JAKARTA - The National Border Management Agency (BNPP) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) requires travelers to have received a booster or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine to cross the border crossing post (PLBN).

"BNPP, as the agency that coordinates entry or exit points for overland travel through eight PLBNs, is ready to support the implementation of the policies," said BNPP Secretary Restuardy Daud at the BNPP Jakarta Office, Antara, Thursday, July 14.

BNPP will follow up on the latest requirements for the Circular Letter (SE) of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Number 22 of 2022 concerning Provisions for Domestic People's Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period at land entrances and exits, namely PLBN in Indonesia.

One of the latest provisions in the SE is that Indonesian citizens (WNI) traveling abroad (PPLN) aged over 18 years must attach proof of the third dose of vaccine as a condition of departure.

The latest regulations regarding booster doses of vaccines as a condition for overseas travel came into effect on Sunday, July 17.

Regarding the implementation, Restuardy said his party would coordinate with the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) through the Port Health Office (KKP) to prepare a number of technical matters related to testing, screening, and vaccination.

"Adjustment to the provisions of the SE above is given a grace period of 10 days (since it was set on July 8, 2022) and will take effect from July 17, 2022. Within this period, socialization and preconditions will be carried out for the implementation of the adjustment of the SE for PPLN," he explained.​​​​​​

The application of the booster vaccine requirements as a condition for passing through eight PLBNs also applies to foreign nationals (WNA) entering Indonesian territory. Vaccination services for Indonesian citizens will be borne by the Government, while foreigners are required to get a booster vaccine in the country of departure.

The booster vaccination requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age, holders of official residence permits and diplomatic residence permits, holders of KITAS and KITAP, PPLN post-Covid recovery, and PPLN with special health conditions.

"Vaccination at the entry point is only provided for Indonesian citizens, (while) foreigners are required to have a booster in the country of departure," he said.

In addition to requiring a booster vaccine, screening of all PPLNs at entry points is still carried out and PCR examinations are carried out if PPLNs are detected to have symptoms of COVID-19 and/or body temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius.

The PLBNs that are the entry and exit points in Indonesia are the Aruk PLBN, Entikong PLBN, Badau PLBN, Wini PLBN, Motaain PLBN, Motamasin PLBN, Skouw PLBN, and Sota PLBN.