Indonesia to Temporary Restrict Travellers from Iran, Italy, S. Korea

Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi delivers press statement at the Ministry’s Office, Jakarta, Thursday (5/3). (Photo by: Kemlu.go.id)

The Indonesian Government is to issue travel restrictions policy which will come into effect on Sunday 8 March 2020 at 00.00 Western Indonesian Time (GMT +7) and affirmed its commitment to monitor the report of development of coronavirus (Covid-19) from the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Based on report from the WHO, there is a significant increase in the number of Covid-19 cases outside China, particularly in three countries: Iran, Italy, and South Korea,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said in her press statement at the Ministry’s Office, Jakarta, Thursday (5/3).

For that reason, the Minister asserted that Indonesia is to temporarily impose a new policy for travelers from those countries.

First, the policy prevents travelers who have visited certain regions in the three countries in the last 14 days from visiting or transiting in Indonesia. The regions are, among others:

• Iran: Tehran, Qom, and Gilan;
• Italy: Lombardi, Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Marche and Piedmont;
• South Korea: City of Deagu, and Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do.

Second, for all visitors/travelers from Iran, Italy, and South Korea who come from outside of the aforementioned regions are required to provide a valid health certificate issued by the health authorities of their respective countries. They must show their certificates to the airline crew during check-in.

“Those without a valid health certificate will be denied entry or transit in Indonesia,” Retno said.

Third, before landing, all visitors/travelers from the three countries must fill in a Health Alert Card issued by the Indonesia’s Ministry of Health. The card consists of questions regarding the visitor’s travel history. If they have visited one of the aforementioned regions in the last 14 days, they will be denied entry or transit in Indonesia.

Fourth, Indonesian citizens who have traveled to the three countries, particularly to the aforementioned regions are required to undergo additional medical examinations at the port of entry.

“This policy is temporary and will be evaluated in accordance with global developments,” the Minister concluded. (kemlu.go.id/EN)

Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by : Yuyu Mulyani