Only PCR test result required for air travel: Soekarno-Hatta official

While we maintain that one should avoid air travel during the pandemic if possible, it’s also important to keep abreast of Indonesia’s ever-changing requirements in case one must fly.

And now, flight requirements have been simplified, according to a Soekarno-Hatta International Airport official.

“Right now, it’s so simple to enter the airport. Just bring a PCR test [result] and the flight ticket,” Soekarno-Hatta management firm Angkasa II Executive General Manager Agus Haryadi said today.

It should be noted that other travel documents, such as a valid ID card for domestic travel and a passport for overseas travel, are still required as per usual.

Flight requirements in Indonesia have not exactly been consistent during the pandemic, and they may differ by region.

At the start of the pandemic, travelers had to present numerous documents such as health certificates and official orders in order to be eligible to fly, causing a great deal of confusion and long queues at airports.

Until mid-July, travelers flying in or out of Jakarta had to present an SIKM entry/exit permit before the program was scrapped.

Previously, rapid tests, which have raised inaccuracy concerns, were an acceptable domestic travel prerequisite with major airlines making testing available for their passengers. The more reliable PCR (swab) testing has also been a requirement since the early days of the pandemic.

As for travel safety, Agus said his firm can guarantee that health protocols are being met at the airport and on airplanes. We don’t know about you, but we’re going to exercise a little bit of skepticism and avoid air travel for now despite the assurances.