Indonesia's PCR Test Import Value Reaches Rp 2.27 Trillion by October 23, 2021

The Directorate General of Customs and Excise Information of the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) recorded that Indonesia imported polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based Covid-19 virus test kits worth Rp 2.27 trillion from January to October 23, 2021. Imports of PCR tests showed a fluctuating trend since the beginning of the year.

In January 2021, PCR test imports were recorded at Rp 325 billion. This figure decreased by 48.9% to Rp 166 billion in March 2021.

PCR test imports increased by 12% to Rp 186 billion in April 2021. However, imports decreased again for two consecutive months in May and June 2021.

A surge in PCR test imports occurred in July 2021, increasing by 588% to Rp 523 billion. This increase coincided with the high demand for PCR tests.

This was due to the surge in corona cases in the country during July 2021. A total of 6.82 million PCR tests were conducted that month.

Imports of PCR tests began to decline by 23.5% to Rp 400 billion in August 2021. The figure further dropped by 78.8% to Rp 85 billion last month (September).

PCR test imports amounted to Rp 124 billion from October 1-23, 2021. This means there was a 45.8% increase in PCR test imports throughout this month.

Based on the entity, the majority or 88.16% of PCR test importers are private companies. 6.04% of PCR test imports were conducted by non-profit organizations. Meanwhile, 5.81% of PCR test imports were conducted by the government.