Batam, Batamnews - Deputy Chairman II of the Riau Islands DPRD (Kepri), Raden Hari Tjahyono asked the Covid-19 Task Force together with the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) to stop the mandatory PCR policy as a condition for air travel.

According to this Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician, this policy is very burdensome for the community because the cost of the PCR test is very expensive and even equals the price of airplane tickets for certain regions or regions.

In addition, this policy is contrary to the government's desire to improve the tourism industry. The government wants tourism in Bali, Bintan, and Batam to revive, but according to him, this policy could prevent tourists from visiting, mainly domestic tourists.

"The government wants to encourage the tourism industry to rise with the opening of Batam, Bintan, and Bali, but this will certainly hinder the tourism industry from rising," said Raden Hari, yesterday.

He continued, PPKM has now dropped the level in almost all regions. Vaccines have also reached more than 70 percent.

"This policy is very detrimental to the community, even though previously there were policies that offered many options if the first and second doses of vaccines were already available. If I'm not mistaken, only antigens are enough," he said.

In addition, Raden Hari also hopes that the Riau Islands Governor and the DPRD will work together to write to the Covid Task Force to stop the PCR test as a condition of travel.

"We have to remain vigilant about this Covid, but I don't think this is the way to do it, just go back to the initial policy of using antigens or those that have been vaccinated twice, just simplifying things like compensation for obedience to the state. If not, then don't blame the community if they think peculiar things about the state or government," concluded Raden.