VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Responding to the first Omicron infection in Indonesia, the Transportation Ministry has said it will continue monitoring the implementation of the health protocols by travelers using all modes of transportation, both domestic and international.

"The Transportation Ministry refers to the Domestic Instructions and Circulars of the Covid-19 Handling Task Force to regulate travel requirements for all modes of transportation, both domestic and international, with adjusting to the dynamics of the development of conditions and situations on the field," spokesperson for the ministry Adita Irawati said in a statement here on Thursday.

For international travel requirements, the ministry is currently referring to the Circular Letter of the Covid-19 Handling Task Force Number 25 of 2021, Irawati informed.

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi has instructed authorities and operators of all modes of transportation to ensure the proper implementation of health protocols, both at infrastructures such as terminals, stations, ports, and airports, as well as facilities namely buses, trains, ships, and planes, she said.

The ministry is also continuing to maintain and improve coordination with related parties, especially the National Police and Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) who have helped a lot in the implementation of the health protocols, she added.

Earlier, state-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura I (AP I) had carried out tightening and supervision at airports.

The Indonesian government also prohibited the entry of foreign nationals who have visited countries where the Omicron variant has been detected in the 14 days prior to their travel to Indonesia.

The countries include South Africa, Botswana, Hong Kong (China), and countries that are geographically close to the Omicron transmission countries, namely Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, and Lesotho.

Earlier, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin announced that one positive case of the Omicron variant had been detected in Indonesia: a janitor on duty at the Wisma Atlet Emergency Hospital. (Antaranews)