Govt Asked to Improve Quarantine Rules for Indonesians from Abroad

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The House of Representatives (DPR) Health Commission member, Kurniasih Mufidayati, urged the government to improve the technical management of quarantine for Indonesian citizens entering the country from abroad. 

She argued that isolation facilities and free PCR swab tests provided for those people arriving at Soekarno Hatta Airport were not proper.

“It is noted in the Decree of the Covid-19 Task Force Chairman No. 6 of 2001 about who is entitled to free quarantine facilities, namely Indonesian migrant workers, students, or Indonesian citizens who are financially incapable proven by a declaration of economic inability (SPTM),” said Mufida in a written statement on Monday, January 25.

However, the PKS politician said that many were immediately asked to fill out the SPTM form. This showed improper use of funds for isolation and unfair implementation of policies, Mufida added.

Additionally, they must undergo PCR three times within a week, viz. before flying to Indonesia as a travel requirement, upon arriving at the airport or isolation site, and before returning home.

“It is very illogical and in my opinion, it potentially irritates the nose. Not to mention the psychological aspects and costs that must be borne by the State Budget and passengers' personal. This is very odd. The policy must be corrected,” she said.

Mufida further called for improvement in inter-agency coordination. She reminded that many stakeholders had a strong sectoral ego in mitigating the Covid-19 pandemic. “I have said this many times. The problem with our bureaucracy is the inefficient work management and budget use,” she said.

Also Read: 153 Foreigners Arriving in Soekarno-Hatta Airport Quarantined: Immigration

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