Transportation Minister Inspects Health Protocols, COVID-19 Test at Soetta Airport

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi reviews implementations of health protocols and the COVID-19 test at terminals 2 and 3 of Soetta Airport, Tangerang, Banten, Saturday (26/12). (Photo by: Ministry of Transportation PR)

In a bid to ensure the compliance of health protocols ahead of this year’s Christmas and New Year holidays, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi on Saturday (26/12) visited terminals 2 and 3 of Soekarno Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten.

On that occasion, the Minister also checked the rapid antigen / PCR test at the terminals.

“Let me emphasize that during the holiday, the compliance of health protocols must be even stricter,” he said.

Budi also pointed out that he has called on state-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura II to coordinate with Ministry of Health’s Port Health Office (KKP) to make repairs and arrangements in order to anticipate long queues for COVID-19 rapid test and check the results of medical examinations at the airport.

The Minister also said he had received input from experts so that medical examinations could be carried out more safely by making a chamber, adding that he has asked all aviation stakeholders at the airport to be prepared to anticipate two peak trips expected to occur on 31 December 2020 and the return flow in early January next year.

“To anticipate the peak of the trip, all stakeholders are ready to increase their capacity because the check points of the health protocol have been laid out in such a way,” he said, adding that he will also coordinate with Ministry of Health and the COVID-19 Handling Task Force to ensure that the distribution of rapid antigen tests can be carried out properly in all regions so that queues do not occur.

Budi also expressed appreciation to related parties at the airport, including Directorate General of Air Transportation, Angkasa Pura II, the Port Health Office (KKP), the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) who oversee the implementation of health protocols.

On that occasion, the Minister also distributed face masks and hand sanitizers to a number of passengers at the Airport.

“If the passengers test positive, they are still treated well and given the understanding that they cannot continue their trip and they can receive refund based on the price paid,” he said.

For the record, the Government has issued a regulation on negative antigen results as a requirement for travelers ahead of this year’s Christmas and New Year holidays in a bid to curb COVID-19 transmission.  (Ministry of Transportation PR/UN) (MUR/EP)