The violation potential exists. Thus, we must carefully monitor it.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi reviewed a simulation for handling the arrival of international passengers at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali province, on Saturday to ensure the strict implementation of the health protocols.

"I laud the passenger handling process which is being implemented by carrying out COVID-19 PCR tests. In addition, immigration and customs processes can be carried out quickly using the same quick response code technology," he said in a statement received here on Saturday.

Furthermore, in preparing for reopening international flights, which officially opened on October 14, 2021, a number of simulations have been carried out at the airport since October 9, 2021, he informed.

The simulation on Saturday was the 10th to be conducted by state-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura I (AP I) along with relevant stakeholders, he added.

Related news: Indonesia committed to supporting SDGs: Minister Sumadi

The minister said that it is necessary to properly inform prospective airplane passengers of the arrival protocols.

"Hence, I am coordinating with the Foreign Affairs Minister to ask Indonesian embassies in the 19 countries from where people have been allowed to travel here to carry out the socialization," he informed.

Furthermore, he also reviewed the COVID-19 PCR test facility and the passenger waiting room at the airport before inspecting one of the hotels designated to serve as a quarantine facility for international passengers.


Related news: Floating isolation centres, airports readied for PON XX closing

Sumadi sought the assistance of the military and police personnel as well as the COVID-19 Task Force to monitor the implementation of health protocols closely.

"We do not want any passenger to escape the self-quarantine site or to not adhere to the regulation. The violation potential exists. Thus, we must carefully monitor it,” he said.

He lauded the joint efforts of AP I, Port Health Office (KKP), Immigration Office, military, and police toward handling the arrival of international passengers at the airport.

Related news: Minister Sumadi reviews readiness of NTT's first logistics terminal

Currently, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport has opened international flights to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, and Norway.

Meanwhile, the Transportation Ministry has issued Circular Letter Number 85 of 2021 regarding the requirements for international air travelers.

The circular requires international passengers to take three COVID-19 RT-PCR tests – before leaving the origin country, upon their arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, and on the fourth day of self-quarantine.

A five-day quarantine upon arrival has been also been made mandatory. Travelers need to bring their vaccination certificate or letter, fill out the Electronic Health Alert Card (E-HAC) on PeduliLindungi app, as well as show their visa, proof of health insurance ownership, and receipt of accommodation booking upon arrival, as per the circular.


Related news: PUPR Ministry-HATHI prepare measures for dealing with La Nina

Related news: BNPB cautions about La Nina impact in Indonesia

Translator: Adimas Fahky, Uyu Liman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021