Insya Allah (if God wills), we can do it well.
Bintan, Riau Islands (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has reviewed the readiness of a travel bubble at the Bandar Bentan Telani Port in the Lagoi tourism area, Bintan District, Riau Islands Province, for welcoming Singaporean tourists.

He directly monitored the arrival protocols for international travelers at the international port on Monday, including the implementation of immigration checks, body temperature measurements, PeduliLindungi app’s quick response code scan, to COVID-19 PCR swab test.

"The port has been ready to welcome Singaporean tourists since it has very adequate facilities," he said.

Lagoi has the potential to be developed into a tourism destination due to its natural beauty, he added.

Further, the COVID-19 Task Force has issued a circular allowing the port to accept Singaporean tourists by implementing a strict travel bubble starting January 24, 2022.

Related news: Batam ready to implement travel bubble with Singapore: minister

The travel bubble will be conducted according to tourism health protocols in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

"The ministry will issue a follow-up to the circular regarding the operation of the travel bubble in Lagoi," the minister added.

He also emphasized the importance of regular evaluation of the implementation of the travel bubble by all stakeholders.

The stakeholders, especially the Port Health Office (KKP), must tighten the arrivals procedures for international tourists to curb the transmission of the Omicron variant, he added.

"We are aware that the Omicron variant can be easily transmitted, thus I urge that the travel procedures be conducted strictly," Sumadi remarked.

He said he is optimistic that the implementation of the travel bubble in the tourism destination area will go well due to the standard national regulation that has been successfully applied in Bali Island and Mandalika Area in West Nusa Tenggara Province.

"Insya Allah (if God wills), we can do it well," he added.

Earlier, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno had informed that besides Lagoi Area, Nongsa Sub-district of Batam City will also implement the travel bubble policy.

Related news: 2022 Mandalika MotoGP to go on with travel bubble: Minister



Translator: Ogen, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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