Gov’t to Implement New Policies on Foreign Visitors Crossing From and To Indonesia
Minister of Foreign Affairs delivers her statement at Ministry of Foreign Affairs office, Jakarta, Tuesday (17/3). (Photo by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
In a bid to combat the spreading the coronavirus, the Indonesian Government has announced plan to implement new policies regarding people crossing from and to the country as per Friday (20/3).
“The Government continues to closely follow the World Health Organization (WHO) situation report on the spread of covid-19,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi in Jakarta, Tuesday (17/3).
According to Retno, the number of countries affected by covid-19 is on the rise; hence, the Government encourages all Indonesian citizens to restrict non-essential outbound travels unless for urgent ones that cannot be postponed.
“For Indonesian citizens currently traveling abroad, we urge you to return to Indonesia at the earliest possible time to avoid further travel disruptions,” she said.
Retno added that a number of countries have also implemented policies to restrict the movement of their people.
“We also call on all Indonesian citizens to monitor closely information available through the Safe Travel Application or contact the hotline of the nearest Indonesian representatives,” Retno said.
Regarding foreign visitors from other countries, Retno said that the Indonesian government has suspended visa exemption policy for a period of one month, including visa for a short-stay visit, visa-on-arrival, and diplomatic/service visa-free facilities for all countries.
“Therefore, all foreigners who will visit Indonesia should obtain a visa from Indonesian representative in accordance with the purpose of their visit. Upon submission, applicants also should provide a health certificate issued by relevant health authorities from their respective countries,” Retno added.
In addition, a number of country-specific policies are as follows:
First, policy for visitors from China remains in effect in accordance with the Statement of Minister for Foreign Affairs on 2 February 2020 and Regulation of Minister of Law and Human Rights Number 7 of 2020.
Second, policy for visitors from South Korea, Daegu City, and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province remains in effect in accordance with the Statement of Minister for Foreign Affairs on 5 March 2020.
Third, policy to deny entry or transit to Indonesia for visitors/travelers who have traveled to the following countries, in the last fourteen days:
- Iran;
- Italy;
- The Vatican;
- Spain;
- France;
- Germany;
- Switzerland;
- The United Kingdom.
Fourth, all visitors/travelers should complete and submit a Health Alert Card to the Port Health Authority upon arrival at the Indonesian International Airports.
“Should the travel history indicate that a person has traveled to the countries above in the last fourteen days, the person can be denied entry to Indonesia,” the Minister added.
Fifth, Indonesian citizens who have traveled to the countries above, additional screening should be carried out by the Port Health Authority upon arrival, with the following conditions:
- if there is an initial symptom of Covid-19, a 14-day observation will be applied at the Indonesian Government’s facility;
- if no initial symptom is found, a 14-day self-quarantine will be strongly recommended.
“The extension of Short Visit Pass for foreign travelers who are currently in Indonesia and have expired shall be conducted in accordance with Regulation of Minister of Law and Human Rights Number 7 of 2020,” Retno said.
The extension of Residence Permit for holders of Temporary Stay Permit Card (KITAS)/Permanent Stay Permit Card (KITAP) and holders of Diplomatic Visa and Service Visa who are currently overseas and will expire, shall be conducted in accordance with Regulation of Minister of Law and Human Rights Number 7 of 2020.
“The policies will take effect on Friday 20 March at 00.00 Western Indonesia Time. The policies are temporary and will be evaluated based on further development,” Retno said. (MoFA/EN)
Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas
