Jakarta (09/03) – In adapting the development of pandemic conditions in Indonesia, the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation has again adjusted the travel rules. This adjustment to travel regulations is contained in the Circular Letter of the Minister of Transportation Number 25 of 2022 concerning Travel Instructions for Domestic People by Rail Transportation during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic, which began to be implemented on March 8, 2022.

One of the adjustments is the exemption of the Antigen/RT PCR requirement for long-distance train passengers who have already received a second dose and a booster vaccine (vaccine dose 3). Passengers are only required to have the PeduliLindungi application. Long-distance train passengers who have just received the first vaccination dose must still have evidence of a negative antigen test (1x24 hours) or RT-PCR (valid 3x24 hours) to travel.

Urban train passengers (Local trains and KRL) are not required to show negative results on antigen or RT-PCR tests. They only need to use the PeduliLindungi application as a condition of travel. However, commuters within the agglomeration area who cannot show the PeduliLindungi application are required to show a COVID-19 vaccination certification (at least the first dose).

Another adjustment regulated in Circular 25 is related to the increase in transport capacity for long-distance trains to be adjusted to 100%, while for urban trains in agglomeration areas, it is adjusted to the PPKM level of the region. For urban trains operating in areas with Community Activities Restrictions Enforcement (PPKM) levels 3 and 4, the passenger carrying capacity can be adjusted to 70%. Meanwhile, for urban trains in areas with PPKM levels 1 and 2, the passenger carrying capacity is at most 100%.

In online socialization on Wednesday (09/03), Secretary of the Directorate General of Railways Zulmafendi appealed to all levels of UPT within the Directorate General of Railways to oversee the implementation of this Circular. Zulmafendi hopes that operators directly involved in rail transportation services can actively socialize this adaptive rule to prevent confusion in the community.

Furthermore, Zulmafendi conveyed that with the adjustment of this rule, the community could bounce back after more than two years of being slumped due to the pandemic. However, Zulmafendi emphasized that the adjustment of this rule does not mean that supervision of health protocols can be ignored. "We ask that even though there are adjustments in this rule, it is necessary to ensure that the health protocols can still be enforced," he concluded. (HJA)