"Based on the president's direction and in line with the Indonesia-Africa Forum, which will be held this weekend, vigilance should be increased," he stated on the sidelines of the 1st International Quality Tourism Conference (IQTC) in Denpasar on Friday.
The minister remarked that on account of intensified vigilance, the protocol would necessitate filling out the electronic health declaration, or e-HAC, among other requisite steps.
Earlier, e-HAC was mandated for travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Uno drew attention to three points of primary concern since they were major entry points for international passenger movements, namely I Gusti Ngurah Rai Bali Airport, the Riau Islands, and Jakarta.
"Supervision through thermal scanners and physical observation should be carried out," Uno emphasized.
The minister pointed out that air passenger figures had not dipped despite increasing vigilance.
He expressed hope that the re-emergence of the disease, formerly known as monkeypox, would not hinder the realization of the target of 14 million foreign tourist visits.
"As of today, no data is showing a decrease (in passengers), but we will monitor it carefully," the minister stated.
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport had installed three thermal scanners for screening the health of all international passengers without exception.
Meanwhile, Indonesia is scheduled to host the Indonesia-Africa Forum on September 1-3, 2024, in Bali.
Mpox was once declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) on July 23, 2022, and the PHEIC status was revoked on May 11, 2023.
However, incoming cases continue to be reported, with an increase in case count in 16 countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country located in central Africa, in June 2024.
Considering the increase in cases and the spread of Mpox transmission in the African region, on August 14, 2024, the WHO re-established the PHEIC status for Mpox.
The disease can be mild, with symptoms lasting for two to four weeks, though it can be severe and lead to death, with a mortality rate of three to six percent.
The cumulative number of Mpox cases from August 20, 2022, to August 15, 2024, in Indonesia was recorded at 88 spread across
Jakarta, Banten, West Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, and the Riau Islands Provinces.
Related news: Ministry checks Mpox screening at Bali Airport ahead of 2024 IAF
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Translator: Dewa Ketut S W, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
