Some actions were taken, but some still do well in falsifying PCR test and antigen swab results, faking vaccine cards, to be able to travel without taking (the COVID-19) test
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta Metropolitan Police has seized 36 inter-city and inter-provincial buses of several bus companies over infringement of the Emergency Public Activity Restrictions (PPKM).

Head of Public Relations of the Jakarta Police Senior Commissioner Yusri Yunus revealed that the 36 buses were seized over breach of emergency PPKM policies, such as violating routes and counterfeiting PCR test results as a condition for traveling.

"Some actions were taken, but some still do well in falsifying PCR test and antigen swab results, faking vaccine cards, to be able to travel without taking (the COVID-19) test," he noted here on Saturday.

Yunus stressed that during the PPKM, the government had issued regulations as stipulated in the Circular of the Ministry of Transportation Number 43 of 2021 on implementing guidelines for domestic travel.

"According to a regulation for long-distance public transportation, the traveler must have a PCR or antigen test result or vaccine card with at least the first jab taken. This is all regulated by the Ministry of Transportation and the Police Directorate of Traffic," he explained.

The police spokesman stated that the Jakarta Transportation Office would be in charge of handling the 36 impounded buses, and the bus companies would thereafter be sanctioned in accordance with their violations.

"We are just conducting the crackdown. The subsequent measures will be studied by the transportation department, on what assertive action would be taken against the bus companies," he affirmed.

Yunus confirmed that the police will charge bus companies that violated travel provisions for land transportation during the PPKM.

"I called on owners of in-route vehicle and cross-city buses, help us for the sake of public safety and not seek profits in the midst of COVID-19 transmission," he stated.

The PPKM have been enforced in Java and Bali from July 3 to July 20, 2021. According to Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhadjir Effendy, President Jokowi had decided to extend the restrictions until the end of July 2021.

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Translator: Yogi Rachman, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
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