Anticipating The Omicron Variant, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin Says Indonesian Citizens Will Be Banned From Going Abroad

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin/DOK VIA ANTARA

JAKARTA - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin said the government plans to temporarily ban Indonesian citizens (WNI) from traveling abroad.

This is in connection with the spread of COVID-19, the Omicron variant in Indonesia, which spreads rapidly. 47 cases have been recorded, with details of 46 imported cases and 1 local transmission case.

"In the last cabinet meeting, we made efforts to tighten it in several ways. First, we really tighten those coming from abroad, we are even carrying out quarantine efforts. Will we be more selective in preparing domestically and prohibiting Indonesian citizens from leaving the country for now", said Ma'ruf at the Vice President's Palace, Tuesday, December 28.

Ma'ruf said the government would tighten health protocols and accelerate vaccination, including the preparation of a third or booster dose of vaccination for the general public.

"The local government has been instructed to prepare for the possibility of a local transmission, yesterday it was confirmed 46, so we must anticipate closely", said Ma'ruf.

As is known, the rules regarding foreign travel agents are contained in Circular (SE) Number 26 of 2021 concerning Health Protocols for Overseas Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period.

The following are the provisions of the health protocol contained in the SE:

1. Overseas travelers with the status of Indonesian citizens (WNI) from abroad are allowed to enter Indonesia while still following the strict health protocols set by the government.

2. Temporarily close the entry of foreign nationals (WNA), either directly or in transit in a foreign country, who have lived and/or visited within fourteen days from the country/region with the following criteria:

a. Confirmed community transmission of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529: South Africa, Botswana, and Norway;

b. Countries/territories that are geographically close to significant community transmission of new variant B.1.1529: Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, and Lesotho; and/or

c. Countries/regions with more than 10,000 confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1529: England and Denmark.

3. Temporary closure of the entry of foreigners into Indonesian territory, either directly or in transit in foreign countries, except for travelers who meet the following criteria:

a. Have no travel history and/or stay within fourteen days from the country/region as referred to in number 2;

b. By the provisions in the Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights (Permenkumham) Number 34 of 2021 concerning the Granting of Immigration Visas and Stay Permits in the Period of Handling the Spread of Corona Virus Disease 2019 and National Economic Recovery;

c. By the agreement scheme (bilateral), such as the travel corridor arrangement (TCA); and/or

d. Get special consideration/permission in writing from the ministry/institution (K/L).

4. All foreign travelers, both Indonesian citizens, and foreigners must comply with the following requirements:

a. Comply with the provisions of the health protocol set by the government;

b. Show that the card or certificate (physical or digital) has received the full dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least fourteen days before departure as a requirement to enter Indonesia