We also hope that the government will prioritize the principle of prudence in applying the policy to reduce the quarantine period for Umrah pilgrims and international travelers.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Bambang Soesatyo has lauded the government's decision to reduce the quarantine period for international travelers, including Umrah pilgrims, to one day.

"We also hope that the government will prioritize the principle of prudence in applying the policy to reduce the quarantine period for Umrah pilgrims and international travelers," he stated in a written statement released in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Soesatyo said he hopes the government will continue to refer to experts' inputs related to the scientific history of COVID-19, the technique of on-the-spot screening, and the development of the COVID-19 situation.

He also asked the government to collaborate with related authorities to tighten all entry points.

"Also make sure that international travelers have passed through stringent checks at each entry point and comply with the quarantine rules and health protocols set by the government,” he said.

In addition, the government should collaborate with the COVID-19 Response Task Force and experts to periodically evaluate the implementation of the policy, he said.

A decline in COVID-19 cases in the country has prompted the government to issue a new quarantine policy with effect from March 8, 2022.

Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto confirmed that the government has cut the quarantine period for international travelers and Umrah pilgrims to only a day.

Related news: RI reduces quarantine period for international travellers to one day

"President Joko Widodo has instructed that the quarantine period for Umrah pilgrims and international travelers be reduced to one day, starting from tomorrow, with the issuance of a new Circular Letter from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB)," Hartarto said during an online press conference on activities restriction enforcement (PPKM) on Monday.

According to the quarantine guide, travelers and pilgrims diagnosed with COVID-19 during the quarantine period will be promptly isolated, he informed.

The government has recorded a 47-percent COVID-19 positivity rate among Umrah travelers, who are undergoing quarantine after their arrival in Indonesia, the coordinating minister noted.

Related news: Riau Islands governor asks govt to revoke quarantine for tourists





Translator: Putu Indah Savitri, Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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