TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno said the government is reviewing a quarantine-free travel policy for foreign tourists entering Indonesia. This rule will take effect in April 2022.

“We are currently reviewing it, including drafting guidance. If all goes well, hopefully, [travelers entering Indonesia in] April will be free from quarantine,” said Sandiaga at the Weekly Press Briefing on Monday, Feb. 21.

However, Sandiaga said the government would use data based on health and science to determine the policy. The government, he added, is still wary of the possible transmission of various COVID-19 variants in the midst of the pandemic.

The quarantine-free travel policy is one of the drivers of tourism recovery in terms of international visits. The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry eyes 1.8-3.6 million foreign visits in 2022.

The target is set lower than the realization of the foreign visits in 2020, which amounted to 4.05 million people. To boost the number of foreign travelers, the government relies on promotions of various international events that will be held in the country throughout the year.

Two major international agendas, viz. MotoGP and G20, are predicted to be the driving force for the increase in the number of foreign tourists to Indonesia. While preparing for foreign tourist visits, the government is evaluating the reactivation of international direct flights to the country.

Since early February, the government has opened its borders, such as in Bali, Batam, and Bintan. “It is possible that other airports, including Sam Ratulangi, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya will be opened. Along with the pandemic recovery and the implementation of the travel bubble scheme, negotiations of collaboration with several countries continue,” Sandiaga Uno concluded.

Read: Indonesia Aims at Scrapping Travel Quarantine Once Conditions Improve

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA