"According to the evaluation result of the zero-quarantine policy implemented in Bali for the last one week, the number of foreign tourist arrivals has soared significantly," he said at a press conference on activities restriction enforcement (PPKM), accessed from Jakarta on Monday.
The minister pointed out that the COVID-19 positivity rate among foreign arrivals has been recorded at just one percent.
"We still need to evaluate the policy for one more week before deciding to implement the policy nationwide," he informed.
Pandjaitan, who also serves as the coordinator for PPKM in Java-Bali regions, said that the reinstatement of the visa-on-arrival policy has also contributed to the increase in foreign tourist arrivals.
Around 449 foreign tourists have applied for a tourist visa through the visa-on-arrival scheme since last March 7, 2022, and the authority has recorded a total of Rp224 million (US$15.6 thousand) in non-tax state revenue, the coordinating minister noted.
On March 7, 2022, the authority commenced a zero-quarantine policy on a trial basis for foreign tourists coming to Bali Island.
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While they are now free from the quarantine requirement, foreign tourists need to fulfill several requirements before being allowed entry to Bali: They need to provide several documents such as proof of paid accommodation reservation (for a minimum of four days) or proof of domicile and health insurance.
Foreign tourists arriving in Indonesia need to have obtained a booster vaccine. They need to undergo a PCR test upon arrival. They are required to remain in their hotel room till the test report shows a negative result. They are also required to undergo a repeat PCR test on the third day of their stay.
Besides regulating foreign tourists' arrival, the government has also instructed the organizers of international events in Bali to observe the health protocols as per G20 standards.
Related news: RI reduces quarantine period for international travellers to one day
Translator: Ade Irma Junida, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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