Jakarta (05/04) - The Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation issues Circular Letter of the Minister of Transportation Number 39 of 2022 (SE 39 of 2022) concerning Travel Instructions for Domestic People by Rail Transportation During the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic ) on Monday (04/04) which is effective starting April 5, 2022. This travel rule is an adjustment to the previous travel rules and adjusts to the Circular Letter of Task Force Number 16 of 2022, which has been issued to anticipate passengers' mobilisation during Eid's homecoming period Al-Fitr 1443 H.

The latest circular regulation stipulates that intercity train passengers who have just received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine must show a negative result of the RT-PCR test whose sample is taken within a period of (3x24) hours. Meanwhile, passengers on intercity trains who have received the second dose of vaccine must show a negative result of a rapid antigen test that is valid for 1x24 hours or a negative result of an RT-PCR test that is valid for 3x24 hours.

The obligation to show a COVID-19 free certificate is exempted for intercity train passengers who have received the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine (booster). Children under the age of 6 years are exempt from vaccination requirements and must be accompanied by a travel companion who has met the requirements for vaccines and examinations.

As for intercity train passengers who have certain health conditions that make it impossible to receive the vaccine, they are required to be able to show a negative result of the RT-PCR test and attach a doctor's certificate from the Government Hospitals regarding the health condition in question. In addition, intercity train passengers are required to have the PeduliLindungi application as a travel requirement.

Furthermore, Circular 39 of 2022 also regulates travelers who use commuter trains in agglomeration areas. In this case, commuter train passengers are not required to show a COVID-19 free statement but are required to use the PeduliLindungi application. For those who are unable to show the PeduliLindungi application, they are required to show a certificate of COVID-19 vaccine, at least the first dose.

In his statement, Director General of Railways Zulfikri emphasized that using the PeduliLindungi application is still mandatory for all train passengers. Zulfikri said this provision was in line with the rules issued by the COVID-19 Task Force to prevent the virus's spread.

The enactment of SE 39 of 2022 simultaneously revokes the previous provisions. "Hopefully, these rules can be enforced together to maintain orderly flow of travel and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus," concluded Zulfikri. (HJA)