The Indonesian Transportation Ministry disclosed that it periodically evaluates its policy on imposing restrictions at the country’s entry points in the midst of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“This restriction policy is being implemented and evaluated periodically depending on the dynamics of the pandemic,” the ministry’s spokesperson, Adita Irawati, said in a statement that ANTARA received here Wednesday.
The evaluation will be done every week to know whether the country’s entry points remain sufficient and effective, or whether adjustments need to be made, she said.
The policy of limiting international entry through land, sea, and air transportation was imposed to prevent the potential spread of new COVID-19 variants from other countries, Irawati explained.
Air transportation has so far only been opened at Soekarno Hatta and Sam Ratulangi Airports in Manado, sea transportation at the Batam, Tanjung Pinang, and Nunukan ports, and land transportation at the Cross-Border Posts Terminals in Entikong, Aruk, and Motaain Terminals, she informed.
“These international arrival gates are chosen so that the supervision is centralized, while (we are) also considering the availability of RT-PCR tests and quarantine facilities,” she said.
The policy has been imposed following the issuance of Instructions of Home Affairs Minister Number 43 of 2021, Regulations of Law and Human Rights Minister Number 34 of 2021, and the Circular Letter of COVID-19 Task Force Number 18 of 2021 along with its addendum, she added.
Before imposing the policy, the Transportation Ministry also disseminated information and coordinated with stakeholders, including ambassadors of countries where many migrant workers live, Irawati said.
She said she expects the entry restrictions to help anticipate and prevent the entry and spread of new coronavirus variants, including the Mu (B.1.621) and Lambda variants, in keeping with the directions of President Joko Widodo.
“The Transportation Ministry continues to urge the public, including transportation operators, to consistently comply with health protocols and increase awareness of COVID-19 new variants, such as the Mu variant,” Irawati said.
Source: Antara News