Train Mode Requirements during PPKM

Train Mode
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PPKM is extended once again until next August 16. The government also made adjustments to domestic travel requirements, one of which was for the train mode.

The rules for using the latest train refer to the Circular Letter of the Covid-19 Task Force number 17 of 2021 regarding the Travel Provisions for Domestic People during the Covid-19 Pandemic Period.

“This rule will take effect from August 13, 2021,” said Joni Martinus, VP of Public Relations of Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), on Thursday (August 12, 2021).

The application of the train ride requirements is in line with the extension of PPKM Level 4 in various regions by the government until August 16, 2021. There are differences in terms of travel for long-distance trains and local trains. PT KAI in detail explains the requirements for traveling by train as follows. Travel requirements using long-distance trains:

  • Show a vaccine card, at least the first dose of Covid-19 vaccination. For customers with specific health conditions or comorbid diseases that prevent them from receiving vaccines, they are required to attach a doctor’s certificate from a government hospital stating that the person concerned has not and/or is unable to take part in the Covid-19 vaccination.
  • Show a certificate of negative RT-PCR test results a maximum of 2×24 hours or an Antigen Rapid Test a maximum of 1×24 hours before departure.
  • Customers under the age of 12 are temporarily not allowed to travel.
  • Meanwhile, travel conditions using local trains only apply to workers in the Essential Sector and Critical Sector as evidenced by STRP or another certificate, issued by the local Government or a Letter of Assignment from the company leadership.
  • Customers aren’t required to show a vaccine card and a certificate of negative results for the RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen Test. However, a random Rapid Test of Antigen will be carried out to customers at the station.

As for train operations, Joni said customers who do not meet the requirements aren’t allowed to travel and tickets will be returned 100 percent.

In the period from 3 to August 9, 2,201 customers were refused departure, because they didn’t meet the requirements. KAI recorded the number of long-distance and local train customers in the period 3 until August 9 as many as 124,353 customers, with an average daily subscriber of 17,765 customers.

In line with that, as an effort to implement health protocols, one of which is physical distancing, KAI only sells tickets as much as 70 percent of the maximum seating capacity for long-distance trains and 50 percent for local trains.

Customers are also required to comply with health protocols and apply 3Ms, namely wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining distance. Joni emphasized that KAI has consistently implemented strict health protocol disciplines since being at the station and during train journeys.

“We always fully support all government policies during the pandemic to suppress the Covid-19’s spread through rail transportation,” said Joni.