TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Transportation Ministry on Friday has introduced yet another change in its air travel health requirement amid the COVID-19 pandemic overseen by Circular No.93/2021, which covers the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.

The latest requirement does not mandate negative PCR test results for air travelers outside the islands of Java and Bali and allows the use of antigen rapid test as a screening measure against COVID-19. A negative antigen test report is valid for 24 hours.

However, air travelers in Java and Bali are still required to undergo PCR testing before any commercial flights with one test report valid for three days and must already be vaccinated with the first dose at the minimum.

“This circular will be effective starting October 28, 2021,” said Novie Riyanto, the Transportation Ministry’s director-general of air travel on Friday, October 29.

Children aged 12 and below and passengers with specific health conditions are not subjected to the vaccination requirement, but must have with them a medical certificate from a doctor.

These requirements will not apply to air freight, commercial flights in rural and border regions. Narrow body and wide body aircraft are permitted to carry more than 70 percent of its total passengers.

Read: House Legislators Laments Mandatory PCR Tests for Travelers

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA