TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Covid-19 task force announced that the government officially restricts the entry of foreign citizens (WNA) into Indonesia and also subject Indonesians coming home from overseas to stringent monitoring.

The move comes as an anticipative measure against the spread of a new Covid-19 variant identified as the B117 from entering the country, and is effective from December 28, 2020, up to January 14, 2021.

In the official circular No. 4/2020 issued by Head of the Covid-19 task force Doni Monardo, Indonesian nationals must bring with them an RT-PCR test report from their country of origin that declares them clear of the virus.

The test must also be valid within a maximum two-day period from their departure and is required to be attached with the e-HAC international form as they arrive in Indonesia. Indonesians and international visitors must undergo another RT-PCR test as they arrive and undergo a five-day quarantine.

Indonesians are provided with government-supported quarantine facilities, and paid by the government, while international visitors must undergo quarantine using their own funds in accommodations that have obtained the government's Health Ministry certification.

A similar situation in regards to funds will also apply if the tests show that a visitor is positive for Covid-19, foreigners will have to pay for their own medical treatment.

ANTARA