Batam, Batamnews - The task force (Satgas) for the return of Indonesian Migrant Workers (TKI) or now known as Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) was formed by the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) in Batam.

The forum appointed 0316 Batam Military District Commander (Dandim), Lt. Col. Kav Sigit Dharma Wiryawan as the Head of the Task Force.

"Through this team, BNPB directives regarding health programs and regulations from the Minister of Health are enforced. For example, all those who return via Batam are required to have swab," said Batam Mayor Muhammad Rudi, Tuesday (20/4/2021).

As preparation, the forum asked about the readiness of PCR test support facilities to BTKLPP Batam. For PCR machines, Batam currently has 7 PCR machines, 3 of which are in BTKLPP, then RSKI Galang 1, Bhayangkara 1 Hospital, Embung Fatimah 1 Hospital, and BP Batam 1 Hospital.

"Regarding reagents, if they are still lacking, Mr. Doni (Head of BNPB) has promised to give him any amount," he said.

Apart from that, including the capacity of PMI's shelters or quarantine places, Rudi said that from the beginning his party had prepared both government and private hospitals.

The hospital's capacity is 2,151 beds and the capacity of the quarantine support facilities is 1,570 people. "If it is not enough, we will use the flat," he added.

One of the problems currently being faced is PMI's 5 × 24 hours (5 days) layover time limit as stipulated.

Meanwhile, from 6 to 17 May 2021, the closure of both land, air, and sea transportation modes will apply. Then a time dispensation is required for the PMI concerned.

This was also conveyed by Rudi in a meeting with BNPB yesterday. Another problem is the operational costs of PMI handlers (food, quarantine, transportation, and human resources).