Good News For Foreign Tourists, Tourist Destinations In Lagoi Bintan Start To Open

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno in Bintan, Riau Islands. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Tourism destinations in Lagoi Bintan and Nongsa Batam in the Riau Islands Province (Kepri) are ready to be opened limited to foreign tourists (tourists), along with the better handling and high rates of COVID-19 vaccinations in the local area.

"The spread of COVID-19 has decreased considerably. In fact, two days ago in Batam there were no additional cases. The vaccine is the same, the first dose has been given to 79 percent of the target, the second dose has reached 45 percent," said Head of the Riau Islands Tourism Office, Buralimar in Batam, quoted from Antara, Tuesday, September 21.

Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tourist destinations have also implemented health protocols and CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability) .

Business actors also make layered preparations. In Lagoi, for example, the manager has prepared a bluepass as a tool for tracing COVID-19 close contacts and QR codes.

"Employees have been vaccinated 100 percent. We offer that we are ready. But we must not be arrogant, health protocols must still be followed," he said.

Not only that, the health treatment there has also been prepared, if there are tourists who are declared exposed to COVID-19.

If there are travelers who test positive for COVID-19, they can undergo quarantine at the resorts in Lagoi and Nongsa.

"Because it's already a quarantine area. So it's not just being quarantined at home. The Lagoi area has been enclaved, if someone is confirmed, they are easy to handle. Moreover, there is a bluepass," he said.

He stated that he had participated in several meetings to prepare for the opening of a limited travel bubble border with Singapore.

Currently being drafted a memorandum of understanding between the two countries for the opening of restrictions through Lagoi and Nongsa.

"It's just a final limitation at the ministry and agency levels to be taken to a higher level," he said.