Indonesia Tightens Border Controls Amid Concerns Over New Mpox Variant
The Indonesian government has announced stricter entry
measures to prevent the spread of a new Mpox variant, Mpox Clade Ib. Enhanced
screening procedures at airports will be implemented for all international
arrivals, including both Indonesian citizens and foreign nationals.
According to M. Syahril, a spokesperson for the Ministry of
Health (Kemenkes), the new regulations mandate that all international
travelers, regardless of nationality, must complete an electronic
self-declaration form known as the SATUSEHAT Health Pass. Previously known as
PeduliLindungi, this application was initially developed during the COVID-19
pandemic and is now being repurposed for health screening.
"The stringent screening measures come in response to
the detection of the Clade Ib variant outside Africa. Mpox Clade Ib is
suspected to be more severe, with a faster transmission rate and potential to
affect children," Syahril explained in a statement.
The Ministry of Health has coordinated with the Ministry of
Transportation (Kemenhub) regarding the implementation of the SATUSEHAT Health
Pass for international travelers, sending an official notice on August 26,
2024.
In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of
Kemenhub issued Circular Letter No. SE 5 DJPU 2024 on August 27, 2024. This
circular instructs airlines and foreign air carriers serving flights to
Indonesia to undertake four measures to prevent the spread of Mpox in the
country. One key measure is to inform all travelers of the requirement to
complete the SATUSEHAT Health Pass before departure.
"Passengers must complete the SATUSEHAT Health Pass
form before or at the time of check-in. This procedure aims to prevent
congestion at the entry points to the country," Syahril said.
The SATUSEHAT Health Pass form can be completed online at https://sshp.kemkes.go.id,
eliminating the need to download a new application. Travelers need only fill
out the available form, after which a barcode will be generated containing
their health and travel history. This barcode will be scanned by officials upon
arrival, and travelers are advised to keep it for reference.
"This electronic form is part of our early warning
system to detect Mpox. Should travelers experience illness, fever, or other
Mpox symptoms within 21 days of arrival in Indonesia, they are advised to visit
a hospital and present their barcode," Syahril added.
Steps to Complete the SATUSEHAT Health Pass for
International Travelers:
- Visit https://sshp.kemkes.go.id
on your browser and click the "Start" button.
- Select
your preferred language.
- Complete
all required fields.
- Once
the form is completed, a QR code will appear. Save this code or keep the
page open until it has been scanned by officials.
