TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Railways Company or PT. KAI obligates passengers to wear face masks both in the stations or when riding the train cars, to prevent further outbreak of Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. The policy starts on April 12, Monday next week.

"Passengers who do not wear masks or cloths covering their mouths and noses are prohibited from taking the train and their tickets will be returned in full," said KAI spokesman Joni Martinus said on Tuesday, April 7.

The company will start campaigning the rule on numerous platforms, including announcements on stations, trains, social media, and other media.

Joni said the rule is in line with recommendations by the World Health Organization or WHO. Jodi said that KAI will arrange for passengers to maintain physical distance from each other, at least 1 meter, as well as reminding them to wash their hands often.

If there are no urgent needs, Joni asked the people to postpone their trips.

"We hope that passengers can abide by these rules so to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in trains and stations," he said.

KAI's subsidiary, the Indonesian Commuter Train (KCI), had asked all passengers to wear masks earlier. The same with other transportation companies lie the MRT, the Transjakarta, and airlines.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA