Indonesia: Authorities extending public activity restrictions in several localities through May 3 due to COVID-19 /update 70

Event

The central government has extended the public activity restrictions, termed PPKM, in parts of the country through May 3 to stem the spread of COVID-19. Officials will also enforce PPKM measures in Bangka Belitung, Jambi, Lampung, West Kalimantan, and West Sumatra provinces from April 20, along with the other areas currently implementing those measures. Under PPKM, the government allows 50 percent of employees in nonessential industries to work in an office, though there are tighter curbs in areas with higher COVID-19 activity. Shopping centers and food establishments can operate through 21:00 nightly. Schools must remain closed and use distance learning, though tertiary educational institutions can resume on-site activities. Authorities may adjust or further expand the rules to accommodate local conditions.

Localities currently enforcing PPKM include all parts of Jakarta and Yogyakarta Province; Tangerang and South Tangerang cities and Tangerang Regency in Banten Province; the greater Bandung area, Bogor and Bekasi regencies and Bekasi, Bogor, Cimahi, and Depok cities in West Java Province; the greater Semarang and greater Banyumas regions and Surakarta city in Central Java; greater Surabaya, greater Malang, and greater Madiun regions in East Java Province; Denpasar city and Badung, Gianyar, Klungkung, and Tabanan regencies in Bali Province; and areas of Aceh, Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, East Nusa Tenggara, North Kalimantan, North Sulawesi, North Sumatra, Papua, Riau, South Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, South Sumatra, and West Nusa Tenggara provinces.

The government continues to require local officials in the areas enacting PPKM to enforce varying localized restrictions at the neighborhood (Rukun Tetangga) level, as follows:

• Red zones: Neighborhoods with six or more households with a COVID-19 patient in the past seven days must implement restrictions, including suspending public gatherings of more than three people and banning entry and exit from the localities after 20:00 nightly

• Orange zones: Neighborhoods with 3-5 households with a COVID-19 patient can allow only essential facilities to operate

• Yellow zones: Neighborhoods with 1-2 households with a COVID-19 patient must implement contact tracing

• Green zones: Neighborhoods without any household with a COVID-19 patient must conduct tests for suspected cases

Additionally, some localities are enacting large-scale social distancing rules termed PSBB, which are typically stricter than PPKM. While protocols vary by locality, rules typically include suspending schools and on-site operations of nonessential industries and limiting the capacity or operating hours of sectors that remain open. Areas with significant COVID-19 activity can apply to the central government to enact PSBB. Localities that are not implementing large-scale social distancing restrictions may also implement other curbs, such as suspending schools or entertainment venues.

Individuals must provide a negative result from a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) taken within 72 hours before departure or a negative GeNose breathalyzer test result taken at the point of departure for air, sea (except inter-Java routes), and rail travel. Travelers can also provide a negative result from a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours before departure for air passengers and 72 hours for rail and maritime travelers. Authorities do not require testing for bus passengers or private vehicles but encourage them before trips. Officials may randomly subject some passengers to tests. Passengers traveling to Bali using all means of transport must show a negative result from an RT-PCR or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours before the trips, or a negative GeNose breathalyzer test result taken at the airport, port, or bus station of departure. All nonrail domestic travelers must also register on the Health Alert Card (eHAC) mobile application before travel and are advised to download the PeduliLindungi contact tracing application. Officials plan to ban intercity travel to hometowns, termed mudik, May 6-17 during the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations; the level of enforcement is unclear.

A nationwide public health emergency remains in effect until further notice. While central authorities have instructed local officials nationwide to enact distancing and other protocols, the enforcement level is unclear. Locals affected by the pandemic and related controls have protested across Indonesia and may stage further rallies.

Travel Restrictions
The entry ban for most foreigners remains in effect. Exemptions are in place for high-level state visits and holders of Limited Stay Permit Cards, among others. Returning citizens and foreigners who can still enter Indonesia must present evidence of negative results from RT-PCR tests within 48 hours before departure, register on the eHAC mobile application before the trips, quarantine for five days at designated facilities upon arrival, and obtain a negative result from another RT-PCR test before leaving the quarantine sites. International travelers are also encouraged to download the PeduliLindungi contact-tracing application.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

State COVID-19 Portal
World Health Organization (WHO)
PeduliLindungi application
eHac application