Quarantine Removed, Luhut Claims PPLN PPLN's Positivity Rate To Bali Is Still Low

Bali Ngurah Rai Airport / DOK VIA ANTARA

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menkomarves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said the COVID-19 condition in Bali was still under control, along with the elimination of quarantine for foreign travelers (PPLN) who came to the province.

Since being free from quarantine, starting March 7, 2021, Luhut claims the percentage of positive cases (positivity rate) of PPLN entering Bali is still low.

"In its implementation in the past week, the number of foreign tourists coming to Bali has increased very rapidly but with a low PPLN positivity rate, which is below 1 percent," Luhut said in a virtual press conference, Monday, March 14.

However, Luhut emphasized that the quarantine-free policy is still being evaluated for the next one week, before this policy is finally implemented throughout Indonesia.

Luhut also said the application of a visa on arrival (VoA) was also able to encourage an increase in incoming foreign tourists.

"Since the opening of visa on arrival on March 7, it can be informed that the total arrival of PPLN with Visa on Arrival is 449 pax with a total PNBP of 224 million rupiah," he explained.

Based on this, Luhut continued, the government will expand the implementation of the use of VoA by targeting countries that have great tourism potential as well as G20 countries.

"In addition, the government will also apply visa on arrival at several other airports, such as Jakarta and Surabaya," said Luhut.

The condition is that PPLN must have made a reservation or hotel booking for at least 4 days. PPLN who come must show a paid hotel booking that has been paid for at least 4 days or show proof of domicile in Bali (specifically) for Indonesian citizens.

Incoming PPLN must also be vaccinated with a complete dose (second dose) or a booster (third dose).

Upon arrival in Bali, PPLN must perform an entry test using PCR. While waiting for the test results, PPLN must wait in the hotel room until the negative test results come out. After being negative, you can be free to do activities while still carrying out health protocols.