Hence, our expectation is that the quarantine policy for international travelers will be revoked so that there will be more tourists.Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (ANTARA) - Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad, here on Saturday, urged the central government to revoke mandatory quarantine for international travelers visiting the region under the travel bubble scheme.
"We seek discretion from the central (government) concerning the travel bubble. If international travelers are free of quarantine while visiting Bali, Riau Islands should also be free," he said.
The mandatory quarantine policy for international travelers may prove burdensome for tourists because they usually visit Riau Islands for four to seven days, he explained.
Currently, there are dozens of Singaporean tourists visiting Riau Islands after a gap of two years due to the pandemic, he highlighted.
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In fact, until May 2022, around 800 Malaysian tourists have booked tickets to visit Riau Islands, specifically Nongsa, Batam, and Lagoi, Bintan, he said.
"Hence, our expectation is that the quarantine policy for international travelers will be revoked so that there will be more tourists," Ahmad said.
He also suggested that the central government allow tourists undergoing PCR examination at Riau Islands seaports to wait for the results in their hotels to minimize crowding at seaports.
He then sought clarification regarding the permitted quota for Singaporean tourists coming to Riau Islands.
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It was suggested that the quota would be 500 people per day, however, so far, only 50 people are allowed per day, he said.
"Then, we ask for an evaluation of the regulation that mandates quarantine for golf caddies who accompany tourists. I do not believe that it is necessary," he added.
Moreover, he said he expected that the travel bubble for tourists visiting Riau Islands would be changed into a vaccinated travel lane (VTL), as implemented in Singapore.
Under VTL, tourists can enter a destination country by fulfilling certain criteria, which include completing their COVID-19 vaccination, he explained.
"This is what we are discussing with the central government in Jakarta. I hope that the suggestion that we deliver can be a consideration point to increase tourist visits during the pandemic," Ahmad said.
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Translator: Ogen, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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