TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian COVID-19 task force spokesperson Wiku Adisasmito confirmed that the removal of the mandatory COVID-19 PCR and antigen tests for foreign and domestic travelers takes effect starting today, Wednesday, May 18.

“Details of this President’s instruction will be outlined in several amended COVID-19 control policies related to domestic and foreign travelers,” said Wiku during a virtual press conference, Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

However, Wiku argued that vaccination and campaigns for a clean and healthy lifedata-style need to be continued. “Because the pandemic has not been officially declared over by the WHO (World Health Organization),” he underlined.

He explained that the government decided to relax the restrictions in view of the latest developments in national and global COVID-19 cases. The government agreed to use the time to recover the national economy that was hit hard by the pandemic for the past two years.

“Of course this policy can be implemented well, but people are expected to remain vigilant, alert, and adaptive to various changes that will occur in the future,” Wiku said.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin also reminded the public that vigilance over COVID-19 is in their own hands. Those who feel infected or have symptoms must have self-awareness to self-isolate and rest for five days or until a negative COVID-19 test result comes out.

Budi asserted that self-awareness is necessary in the current situation of transitioning from a pandemic to an endemic.

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M. FAIZ ZAKI