The Director-General of Health Services from the Indonesian Ministry of Health has issued instructions to all regional and provincial health agencies, AND All hospitals and clinics nationwide stipulating a maximum price of Rp. 150,000 for Antibody Rapid Tests for COVID-19.
The ruling will ease the burden borne those traveling to destinations such as Bali, who are required to undergo a Rapid Test before boarding a boat or airplane to the Island. The widespread use of Rapid Tests is part of a strategy to identify members of the population who may be spreading the virus but are otherwise asymptomatic.
Health officials caution that the Rapid Test can only serve as an initial indicator. Those testing “positive” using a Rapid Test need to have a COVID-19 diagnosis confirmed via the more expensive and time-consuming Swab Test (RT-PCR).