The Cost Of Covid PCR Tests In Bali Reduced After Presidential Instruction

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 The cost of the Covid-19 PCR tests in Bali has been significantly reduced as recently instructed by the President.

The Head of the Bali Health Agency, Dr. Ketut Suarjaya confirmed that as a response to the instruction from President Jokowi through his official Youtube channel recently, Bali officials have decided to reduce the cost of their PCR test as one of the solutions to boost the economy during the pandemic. “I have proposed to the Health Minister to reduce the cost of PCR swab test to around USD 31 (IDR 450,000) or a maximum of USD 38 (550,000).” Jokowi said on Sunday (15/8).

 As a result, Dr. Suarjaya confirmed that the PCR test price in Bali was just reduced to USD 34 (IDR 495,000). “We have just updated the new PCR test price to USD 32.70 (IDR 475,000) plus a USD 1.30 (IDR 20,000) administration fee, so the total cost will be USD 34 (IDR 495,000) for Indonesian citizens.” Dr. Suarjaya said. Apart from the price, officials also ensured that people will receive the result of the test within 24 hours maximum.

Prior to this implementation, many people criticized the government regarding the cost of the PCR tests in Indonesia which was considered high in comparison with several other countries in Asia such as India, where people are only required to pay around USD 6.60 (IDR 96,000) to get a PCR swab test. Resulting in the people urging the government to reduce the tax on their Covid-19 test price as a form of support to its people during this crisis.