Indonesia: Officials expanding public activity restrictions through May 17 due to COVID-19 /update 71

Event

Officials have extended targeted COVID-19 restrictions, termed PPKM, in most provinces nationwide through May 17. Authorities have also expanded the measures to Bengkulu, Central Sulawesi, Riau Islands, Southeast Sulawesi, West Papua, and West Sulawesi provinces. The standards are now in place for all provinces, except Gorontalo, Maluku, North Maluku, and West Sulawesi. Under PPKM, 50 percent of employees in nonessential industries can 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 conduct on-site activities. Authorities may adjust or further expand the rules to accommodate local conditions.

The government enforces localized restrictions at the neighborhood (Rukun Tetangga) level in provinces under PPKM. Officials designate red zones in neighborhoods where COVID-19 cases occur in six or more households within seven days. Officials suspend public gatherings of more than three people and restrict access after 20:00 nightly. The government categorizes neighborhoods that report COVID-19 cases in five or fewer homes as orange, yellow, and green zones, with varying severity of measures.

Authorities have tightened rules for domestic travelers nationwide, banning intercity travel to hometowns (termed mudik) during Eid Al-Fitr celebrations May 6-17. Officials will require people leaving their towns to provide negative results of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), a rapid antigen test, or a GeNose breathalyzer test within 24 hours before travel on other days through May 24. However, enforcement of the policies remains unclear.

From May 25, individuals must provide a negative result from an RT-PCR test 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. Officials will also allow travelers with a negative rapid antigen test result 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. Travelers to Bali must show a negative result from an RT-PCR or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure, 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; officials advise travelers to download the PeduliLindungi contact tracing application.

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
An entry ban for most foreigners remains in effect. Exemptions are in place for high-level state visits and Limited Stay Permit Card holders, among others. Authorities have banned all noncitizens who have visited India within 14 days of arrival as of May 3. Returning citizens and permitted foreigners must present evidence of a negative RT-PCR test result within 48 hours of departure and register on the eHAC mobile application before trips. Arrivals must quarantine for five days at designated facilities and undergo another COVID-19 test before leaving the quarantine. Officials encourage international travelers 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