VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Head of the COVID-19 Task Force Ganip Warsito observing adherence to health protocols during the Papua XX National Sports Week Multipurpose Building St Yoseph Church, Merauke, on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. (ANTARA/HO-BNPB/aa) - 

The COVID-19 Task Force has made it compulsory for all international travellers, both Indonesian citizens and foreigners, to undergo quarantine for five days upon arrival in Indonesia.

This was outlined in Circular Letter Number 20 of 2021 on international travel health protocols during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, issued by the COVID-19 Task Force.

"This circular letter aims to impose health protocols for international travellers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to monitor, control, and evaluate in order to prevent an increase in COVID-19 transmission," Head of the COVID-19 Task Force Ganip Warsito noted in a written statement received here on Thursday.

The policy is effective from October 14, 2021, until a later time is determined. It will be evaluated further in accordance with the latest developments or the evaluation results from the relevant ministries, agencies, or institutions.

With the enactment of Circular Letter Number 20 of 2021, SE Number 18 of 2021, Addendum to Circular Letter Number 18 of 2021 and Second Addendum to Circular Letter Number 18 of 2021 are now invalid.

A change in the duration of quarantine has been outlined in Circular Letter Number 20 of 2021. It has been reduced from 8x24 hours to 5x24 hours for all types of travellers.

International travelers must present their full vaccine certificates at least 14 days before departure and attach them in English apart from their native language.

Foreign tourists may enter Indonesia through airports in Bali and the Riau Islands.

In addition to the proof of vaccination and RT-PCR results for a maximum of 3x24 hours, the traveler is required to attach documents of a short visit visa or other valid entry permit for foreigners, proof of ownership of insurance worth US$100 thousand that covers financing for COVID-19, and proof of accommodation booking during their stay in Indonesia.

Healso  issued Decree No. 14 of 2021 on entry points, quarantine places, and RT-PCR obligations for Indonesian citizens undertaking international travel. It is effective from October 13 to December 31, 2021.

In the decree, Warsito designated two airports Soekarno Hatta and Sam Ratulangi; three ports Batam, Tanjung Pinang, and Nunukan; and two Cross-Border Posts: Aruk and Entikong.

The decree also designated Pademangan Village as a quarantine place for Indonesian citizens traveling internationally who enter through the Soekarno Hatta Airport, Banten. The services offered by the Pademangan Village include lodging, transportation, meals, and RT-PCR tests.

The designated quarantine place is specifically intended for Indonesian citizens, with Indonesian Migrant Workers status that return to Indonesia and stay at least 14 days in Indonesia.

Apart from migrant workers, Pademangan Village is also meant to cater to students returning to Indonesia after studying overseas and government employees returning to Indonesia after undertaking official trips abroad.

The decree also imposes a rule for Indonesian citizens traveling internationally. Those coming from countries, with low COVID-19 case count, are required to undergo a five-day quarantine. However, those traveling to countries with high count of COVID-19 cases must undergo a 14-day quarantine.

Since the newest stipulation was issued, the Decree of the Head of the COVID-19 Task Force Number 13 of 2021 on entry points, quarantine places, and RT-PCR obligations for Indonesian citizens travelling internationally has been rendered invalid//ANT