Due to the newly-discovered coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 is declared infectious diseases in the global pandemic, including in Indonesia. It is not clear when Indonesia will reopen its border again for international visitors, but when you are there, you might want to know what medical treatment and test you can take for COVID-19, how much it costs and where you can get it.
COVID-19 Tests in Indonesia
Wherever you are in the world, monitoring your health is the priority right now, particularly when you have symptoms like COVID-19, either mild or severe. When you have difficulty breathing and other respiratory illness, including a sore throat, cough, fever, and shortness of breath, you might want to do a test for COVID-19.
In Indonesia, there are currently three kinds of test for COVID-19, including:
- COVID-19 Antibody / Serology Test
This test, usually called 'rapid test', is basically a screening test using a blood sample, and the results might be available in minutes. This test will detect the antibody formed when our body is infected, but would not be accurate if the test is done less than seven days after the infection (called as "false negative" result).There are two tests available:- Rapid Antibody Test, which can be done by dropping your blood sample to the testing kit, and the result will show instantly through the kit.
- Laboratory Serology Test, which is done by collecting your blood sample to be tested in the laboratory with a more controlled environment; therefore, it is said to be more accurate and sensitive than the rapid test.Eventually, these tests provide faster results but have a higher chance of missing an active infection – therefore, if the test shows a negative result, your health provider may order a molecular test to confirm the result. These tests can be done in any major health laboratories and hospitals, and cost starts from Rp.150.000,-
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) / Molecular Test
This test, usually called as 'swab test', can diagnose the COVID-19 based on the detection of any virus' genetic material by collecting a mucus sample from a patient's nose or throat and put it in the sterile container in particular temperature then transport it to the lab. In the lab, the sample is tested through the extraction and amplification process to detect the "positive" result of infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus which caused COVID-19.
Due to the laboratory process, it can take days for the results to be available. Therefore, the downsize of this test includes the procedure, timeframe to release the result, and the price. In Indonesia, the PCR test can be done in any major health laboratories and hospitals approved by the government, and the cost starts from Rp.1.500.000,- - TCM (Test Cepat Molekuler) Test
This test is similar to the PCR test, but the amplification process is done through the cartridge (not necessary to be brought to the lab), and the result will be available within 2 hours. It can be done in any major hospitals and smaller health facilities (called 'puskesmas') approved by the government. However, this test is less popular in major cities as this facility is usually available in remote areas far away from the health laboratory.
Information subject to change without notice. Additional measures during the pandemic may be imposed at such short notice and specific details may change rapidly. Updated October 5, 2020.