Currently, negative PCR test results are required only for passengers traveling by air in Java and Bali, as well as in other regions with a high risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, who oversees the pandemic response for the two islands, said on Monday that nearly 20 million people were estimated to be traveling in these regions over the New Year's holidays, and that the government was keen not to “repeat past mistakes”.

“Despite having mandated PCR tests for flight passengers during the year-end holidays last year, infections still surged afterward as a result of increased mobility,” Luhut said in his weekly update on public activity restrictions.

He said President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo had instructed authorities to lower the price cap on PCR tests to make them more affordable for the general public.

“President Jokowi wants to lower the price cap to Rp 300,000. He will also allow passengers to take the test three days prior to their trip instead of two days, as required by prevailing regulations,” Luhut explained.

Many people previously criticized the government for mandating PCR tests for air travel passengers instead of allowing them to opt for rapid antigen tests, which are more affordable but also less accurate than PCR tests.

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