IDNEWSNOW.COM, Jakarta – Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi asserted he would reprimand Batik Air management over its passengers carrying capacity that allegedly violated the COVID-19 health protocols.
House of Representatives (DPR) Commission V member Athari Gauthi Ardi previously reported that the budget airline did not limit its passenger capacity to 70 percent and even flew with a 100 percent capacity during a flight from Jakarta to Makassar.
The PAN politician demanded the Transportation Ministry seriously address the matter as other DPR members had made similar reports.
“We will reprimand Batik Air. In this COVID-19 situation, people indeed make mistakes, and even make them often,” said Budi in a hearing with Commission V at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Monday, August 31.
Budi Karya said the Transportation Ministry would continue to maintain the rule albeit a number of countries did not implement it.
However, Budi Karya Sumadi went on, the air circulation on the plane was safe as it was equipped with a HEPA filter, which was claimed to be able to filter 99 percent of viruses. However, the government is concerned about the physical contact among passengers onboard that could increase COVID-19 transmission.
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FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA
