Are you aware of the latest developments regarding Covid-19 regulations? On June 21, 2023, President Joko Widodo of the Republic of Indonesia made a significant announcement, revoking the pandemic status of Covid-19. This decision was based on several factors, including the minimal daily confirmation of Covid-19 cases, high levels of Covid-19 antibodies among the population (99%), and the World Health Organization's (WHO) withdrawal of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern status.

Before the revocation of the pandemic status, the Indonesian government had already lifted the mandatory mask-wearing requirement for domestic and international travel, as well as public and large-scale activities. This regulation was detailed in Circular Letter (SE) No. 1 of 2023, which was issued by the Covid-19 Handling Task Force, addressing health protocols during the transition period of the endemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Now, let's turn our attention to the mask regulations in public transportation within Jakarta. As of now, wearing a mask is not mandatory while using public transportation. However, on June 9, 2023, the Jakarta Provincial Transportation Agency issued an appeal emphasizing the importance of maintaining the health of public transportation users. Let's delve deeper into these regulations together!

The Latest Mask Regulations in Public Transportation

Based on the Jakarta Province Transportation Agency Circular Letter No. 26/SE/2023 concerning Appeals for the Implementation of Health Protocols in Public Transportation Facilities and Infrastructure during the Transition to Endemic Period, all travelers in the DKI Jakarta Province area are advised to protect themselves personally from the transmission of Covid-19 with the following things:

1. Vaccinate up to dose 4 (second booster);
2. It is permissible not to use a mask if in good health and not at risk of contracting or transmitting Covid-19;
3. Bring hand sanitizer or hand sanitizer and/or wash your hands with soap regularly;
4. For passengers who feel unwell and are at risk of contracting or transmitting Covid-19, it is recommended to keep their distance or avoid crowds;
5. Continue to use the SATUSEHAT application to monitor personal health.

From the second point, it can be concluded that we are already allowed not to use masks when taking public transportation, just like the Circular of the Covid-19 Task Force, as long as we are in good health and not at risk of Covid-19. Other points also clarify what things public transportation users should or should do to avoid Covid-19.

This regulation applies to users of public transportation under the auspices of JakLingko, such as the Moda Raya Terpadu (MRT Jakarta), Lintas Raya Terpadu (LRT Jakarta), Transjakarta, and Mikrotrans.

What do you think of this regulation? Perhaps, you will feel happy, because we are slowly being able to return to the pre-pandemic period of life. However, on the other hand, we still have to be vigilant, because Covid-19 still exists and now we need to live side by side with it.

Apart from the pandemic, the use of masks both in public transportation and in public spaces is not only to protect us from Covid-19 but also air pollution and other viruses. Therefore, it is okay to keep wearing a mask on public transportation, even if you feel healthy.

That’s all about the regulation of mask-wearing in Jakarta’s public transportation. Hope it helps those of you who actively use public transportation everywhere. Keep in mind to take good care of your health. If you feel sick, you can use the JAKI application to take a queue number at a health facility. Download the app via Google Play Storeor Apple App Store.