TEMPO.CO, Tangerang - State-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura II (AP II) announced that starting today, April 2, Soekarno-Hatta Airport will reject entry and transits of foreign passengers.

“Arrivals of all foreign citizens [entering Indonesia] through international flights from all countries will be rejected. This prohibition will take effect on Thursday, April 2, at 12 a.m.,” said AP II spokesman Febri Toga Simatupang in a written statement, Thursday, April 2.

According to Febri, the ban was carried out following the issuance of Law and Human Rights Ministerial Regulation (Permenkumham) No. 11 of 2020 on the temporary prohibition of foreigners' entry in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection that caused COVID-19.

However, Febri elaborated that there were exceptions for foreign nationals who hold limited stay permits; permanent stay permits, diplomatic and service visas; diplomatic stay permits and official stay permits.

"In addition, medical workers and support personnel, crews of the sea, air, or land transport, as well as foreigners who work on national strategic projects are still allowed to enter Indonesia through Soetta Airport," said Febri.

Nevertheless, international flight routes at Soekarno-Hatta Airport remain operating to serve foreigners who will return to their home countries and Indonesian citizens who will return from abroad.

JONIANSYAH HARDJONO (CONTRIBUTOR)