Angkasa Pura

These are 7 facts you need to know regarding the PCR Test Provisions at Soekarno-Hatta Airport for Passengers from Overseas

Jakarta - Airplane passengers from abroad who land in Indonesia undergo health protocols in accordance with the Circular Letter of the Minister of Transportation Number 85 of 2021 concerning Guidelines for the Implementation of International Travel by Air Transportation During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

One of the health protocols is to undergo an isothermal molecular test (NAAT/other types) at the arrival airport whose results can be published in approximately 1 hour or an RT-PCR test.

In line with that, Soekarno-Hatta Airport as Indonesia's main gateway has prepared locations and test facilities for passengers from abroad who have just landed.

Looking at it from the other side, the existence of a PCR test location and facility at Soekarno-Hatta Airport for passengers from abroad has a number of facts to observe. Here are 7 must-know facts:

1. Applied September 19, 2021
The PCR test for passengers from abroad who landed at Soekarno-Hatta Airport was first implemented September 19, 2021 starting at 00.00 WIB to prevent an increase in COVID-19 transmission, including the new SARS-CoV-2 virus variant which has mutated into the Alpha variant, the Beta variant. , the Delta variant, the Gamma variant and the Mu variant, as well as the potential for the development of other new variants.

"This is a form of anticipation and an effort to dispel imported cases so that the pandemic in Indonesia remains under control," explained the Head of the Soekarno-Hatta Class I Port Health Office (KKP Kemenkes) dr. Darmawali Handoko.

2. Test results can be known in about 1 hour
The test carried out is the Molecular Rapid Test with the Real Time RT-PCR method, the results of which can be known in about 1 hour. Sampling is done when new passengers land and the results are obtained before passengers leave for quarantine.

"The test results can be known in about 1 hour, so passengers don't have to wait too long at the airport," said Soekarno-Hatta Airport Executive General Manager Agus Haryadi.

3. The location of the test is carried out in 20 booths located at the international arrival hall of Terminal 3
The PCR test was carried out at the international arrival hall of Terminal 3 which of course took into account various aspects including security, cleanliness, health and hygiene.

“The international arrival hall of Terminal 3 is very spacious, and this helps because the available space can be used to set up up to 20 sampling booths safely. At the international arrival hall, a number of holding bay points are also made for passengers to register and wait for verification of health documents," explained Agus Haryadi.

4. Inspection capacity
Currently, the capacity of the equipment available at Soekarno-Hatta Airport can be used to conduct tests on about 700 people per hour. With that much capacity, the PCR test can be carried out properly and smoothly. However, Soekarno-Hatta Airport will continue to increase its test capacity in the future, in line with the direction of the Minister of Transportation.

5. Testing lab facilities
Soekarno-Hatta Airport is currently preparing a test laboratory with the Bio Safety Lab Level 2 (BSL 2) standard for a more massive PCR test so that it further supports health protocols. Through BSL 2, the capacity to carry out tests will increase, test results can be known faster, so that health protocols are maintained and passengers do not have to wait too long at the airport.

"The existence of BSL 2 standard testing lab facilities also strengthens the application of Biosafety Management at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. In Indonesia, Soekarno-Hatta Airport is the first to implement Biosafety Management to realize a safe, healthy & hygiene airport in the midst of a pandemic," said President Director of AP II Muhammad Awaluddin.

6. Use of the CareProtect app
Passengers from abroad should use the PeduliLindung application to process arrivals including verifying health documents and filling out international eHAC. The PeduliLindung application at Soekarno-Hatta Airport is supported by a system to further facilitate the arrangement and handling at the international arrival hall of Terminal 3, including for PCR tests.

7. Second PCR test
The test at Soekarno-Hatta Airport is the second test carried out by passengers from abroad. PCR test when in the country of departure with a maximum sample of 3x24 hours before departure. Passengers will also undergo a third PCR test on the 4th day of quarantine.

The Commander of the Air Task Force for Handling COVID-19 Colonel Tek Sunu Eko P. said quarantine is an important health protocol that passengers from abroad must follow, and on the 4th day of quarantine, a PCR test will also be carried out.