Jakarta - If there is one thing that hampers the improvement of the internet-based health system in Indonesia, it is that the people are not ready yet for such sophisticated technology due to the high level of digital illiteracy.
A team of the Executive Office of the President (KSP) found on Tuesday (24/8) long queues and delays at the Merak Port, in Banten Province, mostly because COVID-19 documents were checked manually as people withdrew from the available online checking system.
Previously, the Transportation Ministry required every ferry passenger to submit a vaccination certificate and a negative COVID-19 antigen test result upon departure and arrival. The government has even integrated the Ferizy App (online-based ticketing service) with the Peduli Lindungi online application to ensure the authenticity of vaccine and antigen documents.
However, this technology-based system has not run optimally, especially with most of the truck drivers being unable to access the internet from their mobile phones. Those drivers who deliver logistics across Java-Sumatra prefer manual person-to-person services for their document administration. The reason is simple, the internet is not their thing. “We have difficulty in verifying the truck driver's antigen document because our personnel are limited. The queues are getting long,” said Hanjar Dwi Antoro, Head of the Land Transportation Management Agency (BPTD) Region VIII Banten Province.
Manual services undoubtedly caused long queues as it took up to seven minutes for the port staff to do one document checking. Meanwhile, the shortage of staff becomes another issue.
Nevertheless, the COVID-19 responses at Merak Port continue to be carried out strictly and sustainably. Not only conducting inspections, BPTD also continues to roll out free vaccination programs at Merak Port. As of Tuesday, 1,450 people, including the ship's crew, at Merak Port have received free jabs. Further, BPDT and the Indonesian Navy have set a target to vaccinate 2,000 prospective passengers at the Port next week.
"KSP will push for improvement on digital literacy at Merak port, especially education and technical assistance for truck drivers to access the digital system is needed," said KSP Advisor Fajrimei A. Gofar. Meanwhile, the team will continue its monitoring and evaluation program in Lampung province to check COVID-19 responses in the region and to address issues by finding the rate-limiting steps in a facility and correcting them.
