Indonesia: New regulations on internal travel and international arrivals introduced from June 6 /update 28

Event

The Indonesia government announced on Saturday, June 6, new regulations regarding internal travel and international arrivals due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). From Saturday, travelers using public transport for inter-provincial travel will be required to present ID cards, have a certificate stating that they have tested negative for COVID-19, and have the government-made Peduli Lindungi app tracking app activated on their phones. Entry into the country by non-Indonesian nationals remains restricted, and authorities have stated that those permitted entry will also be required to produce a health certificate stating that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within the last seven days. Those who have not obtained a certificate will be required to undergo testing on arrival and will remain at a government quarantine facility at their own expense until the results are returned.

Previously, on Thursday, June 4, Jakarta Governor Anise Baswedan announced that the city would ease some restrictions from Friday, June 5. Public transport has since been allowed to resume operations and places of worship have reopened. Over the coming two weeks, offices and shopping centers will also be allowed to reopen. However, restrictions imposed on movement in mid-April and strict hygiene requirements will remain in place, and Jakarta authorities announced on Saturday, June 6, that social distancing restrictions were to remain in place through Tuesday, June 30.

Other previously announced measures remain in place, including the prohibition of all entry and transit by foreign nationals into or through Indonesia. These measures include the entry of foreign workers. Wearing face masks in public is also mandatory. However, foreigners with a limited stay permit card (Kitas), permanent stay permit card (Kitap), or other similar permits will still be allowed to enter the country.

As of Thursday, June 11, there have been 34,316 cases of COVID-19 nationwide and 1959 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term. 

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.