This is certainly not as fast as we can hope, as it depends on the sentiment that relies on the success of all these countries controlling the pandemicJakarta (ANTARA) - Finance Ministry's Fiscal Policy Agency (BKF) Head Febrio Kacaribu stated that the travel bubble policy implemented during the MotoGP event could encourage economic growth in tourist areas, such as West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).
"This is certainly not as fast as we can hope, as it depends on the sentiment that relies on the success of all these countries controlling the pandemic," Kacaribu stated during an online media briefing on Thursday.
To ensure the safety of the MotoGP event, the government implemented a travel bubble policy through agreements with several countries with low positive cases of COVID-19.
These citizens are allowed to enter Indonesia without isolating after it was confirmed that they were not infected with COVID-19.
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"Through mutual trust, the travel bubble can be created, and there will be trips not only for tourists but also for businesses. This is one way to increase travel activities," he affirmed.
Some areas experienced a relatively slower economic recovery, as they relied on the tourism sector, for instance, Bali. In 2021, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) noted that the economy of Bali and Nusa Tenggara only grew 0.07 percent year-on-year.
Currently, domestic tourists had started to travel to Bali, but the number of foreign travellers visiting Bali was still small.
"Indeed, in the future, we have to ensure that the COVID-19 pandemic is well under control," he stated.
A travel bubble will be implemented for the MotoGP Indonesia 2022, to be held at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, on March 18–20, 2022, the organizers earlier noted.
Deputy Director of the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA), Cahyadi Wanda, remarked that the travel bubble will be implemented to maintain the security and safety of people, considering the current pandemic situation.
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The system will come into effect during the pre-season test on February 11-13, he remarked.
"Hence, once the racers and officials land, they will be separated from the community. They will be in ‘a bubble’ and will only meet with fellow committee members," Wanda stated at a press conference here on Wednesday.
The arrival of drivers and officials will also be preceded by a PCR test, he remarked. They will also remain in their hotel until the results of the PCR test are revealed, he noted. Thereafter, the new riders and officials will be allowed to conduct activities, he remarked.
However, it (the area where they can move) will be very limited and would be only to hotels and the circuit. Thus, they will not be able to meet anyone except those in 'the bubble,'" Wanda stated.
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Translator: Sanya D, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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