COVID-19 Task Force Issues New Regulation for Indonesian Citizens Traveling Abroad
Chairperson of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Doni Monardo on 9 February 2021 issued Decree Number 9 of 2021 on Places for Quarantine and Isolation, and RT-PCR Obligations for Indonesian Citizens Traveling Abroad.
The issuance of the decree is based on the consideration that the Decree of Chairperson of the COVID-19 Task Force Number 6 of 2021 on Hotel Criteria and RT-PCR Obligations for Indonesian Citizens Traveling Abroad is no longer suitable with the needs of COVID-19 handling and therefore needs to be revoked and replaced with a new one.
In the decree, Chairperson of the COVID-19 Task Force stipulates the following provisions:
First, isolation/quarantine process for Indonesian citizens Traveling Abroad will be conducted at Wisma Pademangan. The services include lodging, transportation, meals and security.
Second, in the event that the occupancy of Wisma Pademangan as referred to in the first dictum is full, the isolation/quarantine process is carried out in designated 2 (two) and 3 (three) star hotels with equivalent services to those of Wisma Pademangan.
Third, isolation/quarantine process and RT-PCR are funded by the Ready-to-Use Fund (DSP) of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The fund is specifically provided for Indonesian citizens traveling abroad with the following criteria:
- Indonesian migrant workers who return to Indonesia to stay not less than 14 days in Indonesia;
- Students who return to Indonesia after attending education or carrying out study abroad; or
- Government employees who return to Indonesia after carrying out an official trip abroad at the expense of the State.
Fourth, the payment mechanism for isolation/quarantine process is carried out by the Procurement Officer (PPK) appointed by the BNPB’s Budget User Authority (KPA) in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations and after going through the verification/review process by the BPKP (Finance and Development Supervisory Agency).
Fifth, the decree revokes the Decree of Chairperson of the Task Force for Handling COVID-19 Number 6 of 2021 on Hotel Criteria and the Obligations of RT-PCR for Indonesian Citizens Traveling Abroad.
“The decree shall come into force on 9 February 2021. In the event that an error is found in the decree, it will be corrected accordingly,” the closing provision of the decree reads. (COVID-19 Task Force/UN) (RI/MUR)
