Govt Drops Arrival PCR Tests for International Air Travelers

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is set to further loosen pandemic restrictions that were previously mandated for international air travelers arriving into Indonesia, regardless of citizenship. The latest regulation no longer requires travelers that fit this category to take Covid-19 PCR entry tests. 

This policy was taken after the issue was discussed in a limited meeting between state ministers and the President himself, Joko Widodo or Jokowi. One of the aspects talked about in the meeting was comparing this policy to other countries that have adopted the loose restrictions after mandating vaccinations, instead of screening tests. 

“The requirement to take PCR tests during arrival are no longer mandated to all international travelers and will only be implemented to suspected Covid-19 cases that show symptoms based on body temperature,” said Economic Affairs Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto on April 4, who attended the meeting. 

However, he said passengers of international flight routes arriving in Indonesia must still show Covid-19 PCR test results taken before departing from the country they traveled from. 

The government also plans to further loosen visa regulations as Minister Airlangga said it is one of the direct requests coming from President Jokowi who wants granting of visas to be eased through visa on arrivals. This policy initially was only applied in certain tourism regions such as Bali, Batam, and Bintan.

Read: Jakarta Covid-19 Update; 612 People Treated on April 3

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA