Indonesia Revokes Rules on PCR, Antigen Tests on Arrival for Travelers

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Tuesday officially announced that the Covid-19 tests; PCR or Antigen, on arrival for foreign and domestic travelers will no longer be required for those who have received complete vaccination doses. 

“Domestic and international travelers that have been completely vaccinated no longer need to undergo PCR or antigen swab test,” says the President. 

In a press conference held virtually on May 17, Jokowi asserted the development of the pandemic in Indonesia is currently more controlled compared to previous years. 

Apart from lifting the Covid-19 tests, he also announced that people are now permitted to remove their face masks in outdoor areas under certain requirements. 

“People are permitted to remove their face mask if they are conducting activities outdoor or in open spaces that are not heavily packed by people, but, please continue to wear [masks] in closed spaces and public transportation,” the President explained in the Youtube video uploaded by the Presidential Secretariat on May 17. 

He strongly reminded the elderly community and people with comorbidity to continue wearing masks in their activities outside of their houses, especially people who are ill. 

Previously reported, the Covid-19 task force announced that Indonesia is transitioning to a state of endemic after claiming the number of cases has significantly dropped below 1,000 cases in the past 25 days. Moreover, the hospital bed occupancy rate is currently at 2 percent.

“It can be perceived that Indonesia is no longer in a pandemic emergency situation and can now transition towards the endemic phase,” said the Covid-19 task force spokesperson Wiku Adisasmito.

Read: Riau Islands to Scrap PCR Test for Tourists from Singapore

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH