Bali and the Riau Islands have been appointed by the Indonesian government as the entry points for foreigners who wish to enter the archipelagic country for tourism purposes.
The Indonesian government through the Wonderful Indonesia's website says they hope this measure, effective from 14 October, could help reviving the country's tourism industry.
But not all foreigners can visit Indonesia using a Tourism Visit Visa.
As of now, only 19 countries that are said to have "low COVID-19 positivity rate, in accordance with the standards of World Health Organisations WHO" have been able to open their international trips to Indonesia.
Those 19 countries are:
- Bahrain
- China
- France
- Hungary
- India
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Liechtenstein
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
What about passport holders of other countries?
The Indonesian Immigration Authority tells SBS Indonesian that foreigners other than those from the 19 countries mentioned above - including Australia - can still visit Indonesia using other types of visas currently available. Visa holders are not forbidden to carry out such tourism activities when they are in the country.
Agus Abdul Majid is a representative of the Directorate General of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights who is the Immigration Consul at the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney. He says that Indonesia's borders are also open for Australians.
"All foreign nationals can enter Indonesia by applying for a visa, of which is submitted by the guarantor or sponsor in Indonesia," says Mr Majid, adding that a guarantor could be a company, foundation or other entity with clear legal status in Indonesia. As for foreigners from the 19 countries above, Mr Majid says that they can use their travel agent as a sponsor when applying for a Tourism Visit Visa.
During COVID-19 pandemic, visa waiver and Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Indonesia are suspended. Source: Getty Images/mirsad sarajlic
Foreigners who come to Indonesia for purposes other than tourism visits - as well as Indonesian citizens returning from abroad - can enter Indonesia through Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang and Sam Ratulangi in Manado.
Why is Australia not included in the list of 19 countries?
Mr Majid acknowledges the many questions surrounding why Australia, which is geographically close to Indonesia and has fairly good COVID control measures, is not included in this initial list. He says that the policy on the international border is a political decision.
“For the Indonesian government this is a political matter so it must consider many aspects, not only economic and health aspects," says Mr Majid.
However, he says that this step will still be evaluated.
"This is a pilot, just a test," says Mr Majid. "The government is also taking a careful stance in implementing policies," he refers to the gradual opening of borders which is an effort to ensure domestic health conditions.
"The Indonesian government of course also has a lot of considerations in determining what the 19 countries are. I am optimistic that in the near future there will be an expansion of the policy.
"And I see Australia as a huge potential for foreign tourists, be it for Bali or other places in Indonesia."
By relaxing the travel restrictions to Bali and Riau Islands, the Indonesian Government hopes that this move will be able to revitalise the country’s tourism. Source: Getty Images/SolStock
Additional requirements to enter Indonesia
Although it has opened its doors to foreign tourists, Indonesia has not abolished the 5-day hotel quarantine policy. This rule is not limited only to Foreigners, but to all international travellers.
"Even for Indonesians, when they return to the country they must quarantine for 5 days at their own expense in hotels appointed by the government," Mr Majid says.
In addition, several important requirements must also be known and obeyed by prospective international travellers, such as the need for a negative PCR test result 72 hours before departure, travel or health insurance and have been fully vaccinated as evidenced by a verifiable vaccine certificate.
Mr Majid also emphasises the importance of downloading and using the PeduliLindungi application while in Indonesia for the purpose of tracking and tracing one's movement in the community.
You can access website or Ministry of Tourism's to further know all about the requirements. Also visit website to stay updated with Australian government's advice for travelling to Indonesia.
