COVID-19 Task Force Issues Circular on Domestic Travel During Pandemic

The COVID-19 Handling Task Force has issued Circular Number 16 of 2022 on Provisions for Domestic Travels During Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

The circular has been in force since it was signed by Head of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Suharyanto on April 2, 2022.

“This circular is effective from April 2, 2022 to a certain time and will be further evaluated based on the latest developments on the ground or the evaluation results of ministries / government institutions,” Suharyanto says in the circular.

The followings are health protocol provisions for domestic travelers stipulated in the circular:

1. Every traveler must observe and comply with health protocols, namely: wearing a mask, keeping a safe distance and avoiding crowds, and washing hands with soap or hand sanitizer.

2. Stricter health protocols for domestic travelers must be enforced by:

1. 1. Using a 3-ply cloth mask or a medical mask that covers the nose, the mouth, and the chin;
   2. Changing masks periodically every four hours and disposing of mask waste in the provided place;
   3. Washing hands periodically using water and soap or hand sanitizer, especially after touching objects that have been touched by others;
   4. Maintaining a distance of minimum 1.5 meters from others and avoiding crowds;
   5. Prohibiting one-way or two-way communication by telephone or directly during travel on land, rail, sea, river, lake, ferry, and air transportation modes;
   6. Prohibiting eating and drinking during flight for a trip of less than 2 hours, with the exception of individuals who are required to take medication in the context of treatment that affects the safety and health of the individuals.

3. Domestic travelers must comply with the following provisions:

1. 1. Every individual who travels with a private or public vehicle is responsible for his / her own health and is subject to the applicable terms and conditions;
   2. Every domestic traveler is obligated to use PeduliLindungi application as a requirement to travel at home;
   3. Travelers using private or public air, sea, and land transportation modes, ferry, and trains from and to regions across Indonesia are subject to the following provisions:

1. 1. 1. Domestic travelers who have received the third vaccination dose (booster) are not obligated to show a negative result of RT-PCR or rapid antigen test;
      2. Domestic travelers who have received the second vaccination dose must show a negative result of rapid antigen test taken within 1 x 24 hours or a negative result of RT-PCR test taken within 3 x 24 hours before departure as a travel requirement;
      3. Domestic travelers who have received the first vaccination dose must show a negative result of RT-PCR test taken within 3 x 24 hours before departure as a travel requirement;
      4. Domestic travelers with special medical conditions or comorbidities that prevent them to be vaccinated must show a negative result of RT-PCR test taken within a maximum period of 3 x 24 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within a maximum period of 1 x 24 hours before departure as a travel requirement and are required to show a medical certificate from a government hospital stating that the travelers have not been and/or cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19; or
      5. Domestic travelers under the age of six are exempt from vaccination provisions and are not required to show negative results from the RT-PCR or a rapid antigen test, but must travel with a travel companion who has complied with the provisions for vaccination and COVID-19 examination and implement strict health protocols.

d. Routine travels using land transportation with private or public vehicles and trains in one region / urban agglomeration region are exempt from the travel requirements as referred to in letter c.

4. The provisions referred to in number 3 do not apply to pioneer transportation modes, including in border areas, frontier, outermost, and least developed areas, and to limited sailings according to the situation in respective areas.

5. Every transportation mode operator is obligated to use PeduliLindungi application to check travel requirements for every domestic traveler.

6. Ministries / government institutions, provincial / regency / city governments that will impose special criteria and requirements related to travelers in their regions may follow up by issuing legal instruments that are compatible with and not contradictory to this circular.

7. The circular that regulates the special criteria and requirements as referred to in number 6 is an integral part of this circular.

“As this circular takes effect, Circular of COVID-19 Handling Task Force Number 11 of 2022 on Provisions for Domestic Travels During Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic is revoked,” Suharyanto says. (COVID-19 Handling Task Force/UN) (EST/EP)