TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Israel issues a new rule to ban tourist with Indonesian passport from entering the country. The decision was allegedly taken as a counter for Indonesian government who prohibits Israel citizens from entering Indonesia.

In the messages circulated, Indonesian tourists who have been scheduled to enter Israel before June 9, 2018, are still allowed to enter but after the date mentioned, they will be rejected. This rule applies to both individuals and groups.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the issues but has not given any further details.

Rhema Tours travel agency received the circular letter from Ministry of Internal Affairs of Israel on May 29, 2018, that stated the restriction of Indonesian passport holders from entering Israel. The regulation is valid until an undetermined time.

“We will inform the progress sooner. If conditions are conducive, the departure will remain as scheduled, but if not, we will re-discuss the departure schedule. We deeply regret about this force majeure event,” said Rio Pattiselano, the Director of Rhema Tours, an Israel’s Pilgrimage Tours travel agency.

Indonesia and Israel have no diplomatic relations. If Indonesian tourists want to visit Israel, generally they go through Egypt or other liaison countries.

Suci Sekarwati