5 Health Protocols in Indonesia You Must Know

Since the pandemic hit, tourism has been one of the most affected industries in the entire world. Indonesia is no exception. Therefore, the Indonesian government has been putting its utmost effort to prepare for the recovery of tourism in the country. Aside from the acceleration of vaccination programs and the implementation of community restrictions, the government also enforces health protocols through the movement known as InDOnesia CARE. Initiated by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, this movement encourages all stakeholders in the tourism industry and related ministries and institutions to work hand-in-hand in preventing further spread of COVID-19. Here are five health protocols implemented in Indonesia that you must know.
 

1. e-HAC

Stands for Electronic Health Alert Card, e-HAC is a mobile app that functions just like its name: a health alert identification for screening and monitoring purposes. This app is made to be used especially for all domestic and international travelers who travel to, from, and within Indonesia during the pandemic with the means of minimizing the risk of transmission by travelers.

The e-HAC system was developed by the Indonesian Ministry of Health, specifically the Directorate of Surveillance and Quarantine Health of the Directorate General of Prevention and Disease Control. The Indonesian government requires the public to fill in the data in the e-HAC app as an effort to detect, prevent, and control public health emergencies through entry points (airports, harbors, and land border posts).

Currently, based on the Circular of the Minister of Health No. HK.02.01 /Menkes/847/2021, e-HAC has been integrated with the PeduliLindungi app. Therefore, you can now get your e-HAC by downloading and installing the PeduliLindungi app.
 

2. PeduliLindungi

PeduliLindungi is an official mobile app designed by the Indonesian government that relies on community participation to share location data with each other for contact tracing purposes. The user of this app can get the information of COVID-19 distribution zoning area (red, yellow, green) according to the chosen location. Furthermore, the user can also get a notification if they are entering a red zone area, which then will help them take better preventive measures.

This app can also contain the user’s data from the government related to COVID-19, such as health status, vaccination cards, and eHAC, which according to the Circular of the Minister of Health No. HK.02.01 /Menkes/847/2021 has now been integrated with the app.

PeduliLindungi app can be downloaded and installed from Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS). The user can simply register using full name, e-mail, phone number, and ID card number (NIK). Meanwhile, foreign nationals who got their vaccine from their country of origin can verify their identity at vaksinln.dto.kemkes.go.id to register on the PeduliLindungi app.
 

3. CHSE Certification

In order to prevent further spread of COVID-19, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy enforces the practice of cleanliness, health, safety, and environmental sustainability (CHSE) protocols across the tourism industry as mandatory precautions. Businesses in Indonesia that are tourism-related will be given CHSE certification as a proof of their proper implementation of the protocols.

There are specific criterias required for tourism-related businesses to be given CHSE certification. Those criterias are:

●           Cleanliness

Aside from routine cleaning with disinfectant, business owners must ensure the provisions of complete handwashing facilities for the visitors. Owners must also make sure that the place is free from disease-bearer animals.

●           Health

Business owners need to pay attention to the health of both their workers and visitors by implementing body temperature checking, strict obligations of wearing a mask, and practicing social distancing.

●           Safety

To maintain security and safety, business owners need to arrange rescue procedures to be conducted in emergency conditions.

●           Environmental Sustainability

Every tourism-related business owner needs to ensure the environmental sustainability aspects within their facility, such as the use of eco-friendly equipment and materials.

Right now, there are approximately 1,009 tourism-related businesses that have been given CHSE certification. It is targeted that there will be 6,500 by the end of 2021. You can find all the tourism-related businesses that have been given CHSE certification by visiting https://chse.kemenparekraf.go.id/
 

4. COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate

Since the COVID-19 vaccination program started targeting the general public, the government launched the initiative of granting COVID-19 vaccine certification to those who have received the vaccine. Embedded with a QR Code, this certificate is also integrated into the PeduliLindungi mobile app for ease of access.

Based on the Instructions from the Minister of Internal Affairs No. 42 of 2021, COVID-19 vaccine certification has become a mandatory requirement for those who want to visit certain public places (malls, cinemas, restaurants, etc) in the cities or regencies with Level 2-3 Community Restrictions.
 

5. A Variety of COVID-19 Tests

The Indonesian government also made many varieties of COVID-19 tests available for the public. Those are molecular fast test (TCM), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, and rapid test.

Molecular fast testing methods use phlegm with cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification. SARS-COV-2 is identified on the RNA which uses a special cartridge. The results of this test are quite fast, which only takes approximately two hours. This test can be done in 132 appointed hospitals and public health centers.

The PCR test method uses mucous samples from the nose or throat. The active SARS-COV-2 will display an RNA genetic material, which is amplified by the PCR test. Unlike TCM, this check method takes longer to get the results because it goes through two processes, namely extraction and amplification.

Unlike the two types mentioned above, the rapid test uses blood samples, which is used to detect immunoglobulin: a type of antibody that is formed when the body experiences infection. Rapid tests can be done anywhere and it takes a relatively short time to get the result, which is only approximately 15-20 minutes.

Those are 5 health protocols that are implemented in Indonesia. Make sure to fully understand them all for your future holiday preparations. All these protocols are made because, as being expressed in the spirit of InDOnesia CARE, we do care for your safety and convenience the most. Therefore, we also kindly encourage you to stay safe and practice healthy habits such as wearing a mask in public, implementing social distancing, and washing your hands frequently with soap and running water.

As Indonesia is starting to reopen its tourism, make sure that you already know how to verify your COVID-19 vaccination data so you're able to enter the country.