Gov’t Issues Circular on Health Protocol for People Travel from Overseas

Head of COVID-19 Task Force has issued a Circular Number 4 of 2020 on Travel Health Protocol for People During COVID-19 Pandemic.

The issuance of the circular is based on the discovery of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in South Wales, England (SARS-CoV-2 variant B117) and a spike in the spread of the virus.

“Special provisions are needed for foreign travelers to protect Indonesian citizens from imported cases,” according to the circular, which was signed by Head of the COVID-19 Task Force Doni Monardo, Monday (28/12).

The purpose of the circular is to implement the COVID-19 health protocols which is followed by monitoring, controlling, and evaluation in order to prevent an increase in the transmission of COVID-19, including a new variant that has mutated into SARS-CoV-2 variant B117 which was reported in the UK.

The scope of the health protocols applies to people who has traveled from abroad in the last fourteen days.

The issuance of the circular is based on the decision on the Limited Meeting on 28 December 2020 which decided that the Government will temporarily close the entry of foreign nationals from all countries to Indonesia from 1-14 January 2021.

As stated in the circular, international travelers must follow the following conditions:

1. Temporarily closing the entry of foreigners from all countries to Indonesia;
2. The provisions apply to all foreigners arriving on 28 December 2020 to 31 December 2020;
3. Indonesian citizens traveling from abroad must still follow the health protocols stipulated by the Government;
4. Foreign travelers from all countries who will enter Indonesia, either directly or transiting in a foreign country, are temporarily prohibited from entering Indonesia except those holding diplomatic visas and official visas related to official visits of foreign officials at ministerial level and above with the application of very strict health protocols;
5. Foreigners traveling from abroad are exempted:
6. Holders of diplomatic residence permits and official residence permits; and
7. Holders of limited stay permit (KITAS) and permanent residence permit (KITAP).
8. Indonesian citizens from all foreign countries who will enter Indonesia, either directly or transiting in a foreign country, must show negative results through RT-PCR in the country of origin whose samples are taken within a maximum of 2 x 24 hours before the hour of departure and attached to the medical examination or Indonesian International e-HAC;
9. Upon arrival, travelers are required to carry out PT-PCR re-examination and undergo a 5-day quarantine for Indonesian citizens in special quarantine accommodation provided by the Government and in quarantine accommodation at independent costs (hotels/inns) for foreigners who have received certification for the implementation of COVID-19 quarantine accommodation by Ministry of Health;
10. In the event that the PT-PCR re-examination on arrival shows a positive result, treatment is carried out in the hospital for Indonesian citizens at the Government’s expense and for foreigners at their own expense;
11. PT-PCR re-examination will be carried out after a five-day quarantine starting from the date of arrival for Indonesian citizens and foreigners,
12. In the event that the PT-PCR re-examination shows a negative result as referred to in letter i, Indonesian citizens and foreigners are allowed to continue their journey; and
13. In the event for a positive result as referred to in letter i, treatment will be carried out in the hospital for Indonesian citizens at the Government’s expense and for foreigners at their own expense.

The circular also contains provisions regarding monitoring, controlling, and evaluation, as follows:

1. The Regional COVID-19 Task Force, assisted by the public transportation administration authority, jointly carry out control of people travel and safe public transportation for COVID-19 by establishing an Integrated Security Post;
2. The authorities, administrators and operators of public transportation assign supervision during the operation of public transportation;
3. Ministries / agencies, the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), the National Police, and local governments have the right to stop and / or prohibit travel of persons on the basis of this circular and / or the provisions of laws and regulations; and
4. Authorized agencies (Ministries / agencies, the TNI, the National Police and local governments) enforce the COVID19 health protocols and the law in accordance with the provisions of applicable laws and regulations.

With the issuance of this circular, Circular of Head of COVID-19 Task Force Number 3 of 2020 on Health Protocol for People Travel During Christmas and New Year 2021 Holidays in the COVID-19 Pandemic Period and Circular Addendum Number 3 of 2020 are declared to remain valid as long as they do not conflict with this circular.

“This circular is effective from 28 December 2020 to 14 January 2021 and may be revised according to the developing situation,” the circular wrote. (COVID-19 Task Force/UN) (EST/EP)