Isolation Unmitigated Tourists, Jokowi: Most Important Health Protocols When Receiving Chinese Tourists

President Jokowi (left) while visiting the Likupang Port DSP in North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi, Thursday 19 January afternoon. (Twitter @jokowi)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said the implementation of health protocols (prokes) in tourist destinations in the country is the most important aspect in accepting foreign tourists, including from China.

"Tourists, once again we are open to tourists from anywhere. But what we see is a lot from China. The most important thing is health protocols," said President Jokowi while visiting the Bunaken Tourism Area, Manado, North Sulawesi (Sulut), Friday, January 20, was confiscated by Antara.

Prokes remains unforgettable even though the government knows the authorities in China have also examined its citizens who want to travel abroad.

"So we don't have to worry," said President Jokowi.

The President also believes that the level of immunity in Indonesia is high enough to accept foreign tourists entering, reaching 98.5.

Therefore, the President said, there are no restrictions such as the obligation to isolate Chinese tourists visiting Indonesia.

"Nothing, nothing," said President Jokowi.

According to the President, in early February 2023, there will be many foreign tourists, especially from China who visit Manado, North Sulawesi.

Chinese authorities since January 8, 2023, have released their citizens abroad for various purposes.

Starting that date, China will also free international travelers from their quarantine obligations upon arrival in China.

The policy is a form of easing after nearly three years of China implementing a strict zero-case COVID-19 policy so that local residents cannot freely travel abroad.

However, several countries such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and EU members have implemented restrictions on the arrival of Chinese citizens because China is considered not transparent in reporting the latest developments on COVID-19.

China accuses these countries of discriminatory action. China launched countermeasures against Japan and South Korea by not granting visit visas.