TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In the wake of the massive spread of the new coronavirus or COVID-19, the Indonesian government has decided to restrict the entry of tourists from several countries that are dealing with an increasing number of COVID-19 infection.

"For the sake of all, Indonesia will temporarily ban entry and transit of tourists or travelers who have a travel history for the past 14 days to Tehran, Qom, and Gilan, Iran; Lombardi, Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Marche and Piedmont, Italy; and Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea," said the Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi in a press release on Thursday, March 5, 2020.

In reference to the latest report made by WHO, there is a significant increase in the coronavirus cases outside China, especially Iran, Italy, and South Korea.

As for tourists from outside the mentioned regions of Iran, Italy, and South Korea, they must obtain a health certificate issued by their local authority and show it during check-in. Otherwise, they will be barred from entering or having transit in Indonesia.

In addition, tourists from the three countries are required to fill the Health Alert Card provided by the Health Ministry before their arrival, which includes information about their travel history.

Meanwhile, Indonesian nationals who have returned from the three states, especially from those specific regions, must undergo additional medical screenings at the airport.

Minister Retno Marsudi underlined that the policy will take effect starting March 8, 2020, and will be evaluated later based on the condition development. She further ensured that Indonesia continues monitoring reports in light of the COVID-19 outbreak in the world released by WHO.

SUCI SEKARWATI