Local News

PT HIN-organized beach festival aims to revive Bali tourism, MSMEs Hundreds of foreign nationals leave Bali amid coronavirus outbreak Hundreds of foreign nationals leave Bali amid coronavirus outbreak

State tourism and hospitality firm PT HIN will hold a beach festival in Bali called “Jelajahin Livin Sanur Fest” to help revive the tourism sector and support growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Hundreds of foreigners departed Bali over the weekend, some with chartered flights organized by their respective governments, following flight cancelations across the globe amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The Ngurah Rai Immigration office said in a statement that over 200 foreigners, Hundreds of foreigners departed Bali over the weekend, some with chartered flights organized by their respective governments, following flight cancelations across the globe amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The Ngurah Rai Immigration office said in a statement that over 200 foreigners, consisting mostly of German nationals, boarded a chartered consisting mostly of German nationals, boarded a chartered German Airlines flight on Saturday headed for Frankfurt, German Airlines flight on Saturday headed for Frankfurt, while over 400 passengers consisting of mostly French while over 400 passengers consisting of mostly French nationals headed to France with Qatar Airways on the same nationals headed to France with Qatar Airways on the same day. In addition, Austrian Airlines also reportedly carried day. In addition, Austrian Airlines also reportedly carried over 200 passengers back to Austria. over 200 passengers back to Austria. Foreign missions in Foreign missions in Indonesia have Indonesia have actively used social actively used social media to assist their media to assist their respective citizens. respective citizens. As fewer flights As fewer flights become available become available due to global travel due to global travel The Jelajahin Livin Sanur Fest will be held on May 27-29, restrictions, their restrictions, their 2022, in the beach area of a hotel in Sanur Beach in Bali. efforts include efforts include assisting those seeking to return home to find available assisting those seeking to return home to find available “HIN is here for the collaboration of national institutions, flights. I Putu Surya Dharma, a spokesperson from the flights. I Putu Surya Dharma, a spokesperson from the based on the SOEs Ministry’s directives for tourism recovregional office for the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, regional office for the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, ery, aimed at super-priority tourism destinations and Bali told Nusa Bali yesterday that between March 1 and 26, told Nusa Bali yesterday that between March 1 and 26, through this event,” PT HIN’s Director of Business Strategy nearly 254,000 foreign tourists have left the island. However, nearly 254,000 foreign tourists have left the island. However, and Marketing Christine Hutabarat stated at a press conthe same period also recorded over 169,000 foreign tourists the same period also recorded over 169,000 foreign tourists ference here on Wednesday. arriving in Bali, he added. Travelers from Australia, Russia arriving in Bali, he added. Travelers from Australia, Russia and the United States topped the list of visitors. and the United States topped the list of visitors. Jelajahin Livin Sanur Fest will be themed “BALI kemBALI” or “Bali Revival” and will present a variety of interesting Last week, American and Australian citizens in Indonesia were Last week, American and Australian citizens in Indonesia were programs for people keen for a performance festival to be ordered to leave the country amid the novel coronavirus ordered to leave the country amid the novel coronavirus held.outbreak, wherein officials also cited evidence of Indonesia’s outbreak, wherein officials also cited evidence of Indonesia’s current medical capacity, among other things, to urge current medical capacity, among other things, to urge The first day of the festival will feature a variety of reggae immediate action. Some foreigners have decided to extend immediate action. Some foreigners have decided to extend musicians, the second day will be enlivened by DJ perfortheir stay in Indonesia, it seems, as evident by packed their stay in Indonesia, it seems, as evident by packed mances, while the third day will showcase national bands, immigration offices across Bali last week. Indonesia’s immigration offices across Bali last week. Indonesia’s such as Slank, Kotak, and Fourtwnty as well as Bali’s naDirectorate General of Immigration has swiftly responded to Directorate General of Immigration has swiftly responded to tional and local artists. the spike in visa extension requests, and eligible foreigners unable to return to their home countries due to COVID-19 the spike in visa extension requests, and eligible foreigners unable to return to their home countries due to COVID-19 are being given an automatic extension for their stay are being given an automatic extension for their stay This festival will also present an expo of MSMEs’ crafts, permits. (coconuts.com 01/04/2020) permits. (coconuts.com 01/04/2020) local culinary arts, as well as creative economy talk shows, and cultural performances from local Balinese artists. The tickets for the Jelajahin Livin Sanur Fest, which is under the collaboration of production house Renjana Productions, are priced between Rp150 thousand to Rp450 thousand. (antaranews.com 19/04)

No Large-Scale Social Restrictions policy for Bali just Hundreds of Indonesian crew members flying yet, provincial government says in from Italy skip quarantine after testing negative for COVID-19

Bali vice governor promises to look into Kuta Beach peddlers amid harassment claim The Bali provincial government says it has yet to consider imposing Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) policy, which requires approval from the central government, to curb the spread of COVID-19 here, claiming that it has already implemented similar steps to an extent. Over 300 Indonesian crew members from the MSC Splendida cruise ship reportedly did not undergo quarantine upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport despite having flown in from Genoa, Italy on Monday night. Officials said all of them tested negative for the novel coronavirus, after rapid tests that were conducted at the airport. “As soon as they arrived they were checked by officers from the Port Health Authority and followed with rapid tests. The results were negative and [they] didn’t have to be quarantined,” Ida Bagus Ngurah Arda, who heads Bali province’s Manpower Agency, told Kompas yesterday. There were 316 Indonesian crew members in total who boarded a flight with Qatar Airlines from Genoa to Denpasar, via Doha. As reported by Kompas, the crew members had also undergone a health examination while in Genoa, after which they were declared healthy and permitted to return to Indonesia. Italy is one of the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with over 105,000 confirmed cases and more than 12,000 deaths. Indonesians coming from COVID-19 hot zones, which includes Italy, are subject to health screening by the Port Health Authority upon arrival. Should authorities find that they are exhibiting early symptoms of COVID-19, they will be observed at a government facility for two weeks. On the other hand, those who do not exhibit early symptoms are advised to self-quarantine for the same period. Yesterday, Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy urged Indonesians overseas to stay in the countries in which they are living. The government said there are no plans to arrange their repatriation, but that they will be provided with supplies. Indonesia is currently anticipating mass arrivals of Indonesians abroad, particularly those seeking to leave Malaysia as it enforces its movement control order (MCO), as well as crew members of international cruise ships looking to return home as some cruise lines halt their operations. For the latter, their return will likely be through Ngurah Rai, Muhadjir said, adding that there are about 11,000 Indonesian crew members abroad. As of yesterday afternoon, Bali has recorded 19 positive COVID-19 cases. This includes two deaths of foreign nationals and four recoveries. (coconuts.com 01/04/2020)

A high-ranked Bali official told reporters today that he Speaking to Kumpwould look into alleged nagging peddlers on Kuta Beach aran yesterday, reafter a video of a foreign tourist expressing her discomgional secretary of fort from their “harassment” went viral this week. the Bali administration, Dewa Among those who shared the 20-second video were Made Indra, said two major Instagram community accounts focusing on that the provincial Bali. In the clip, the woman expressed her general disgovernment is open to implementing PSBB, should risks of pleasure with Bali based on her experience with Kuta the novel coronavirus on the island continue to escalate and peddlers. require a stricter approach. “Kuta is the worst. The people are harassing you when “Here in Bali we are already enforcing strict limitations. you walk on the beach. It’s so annoying. I don’t wanna Substantially we have preceded this PSBB policy, but come back to Kuta or to Bali. It is terrible. It is really formally and according to the [new] government regulation terrible. I’m so glad I’m going home tomorrow,” the of course we haven’t,” Indra said. woman said. PSBB is designed to limit mobility within a region,essentially Locals peddling goods like fashion accessories and imposing the same social distancing measures that have massages on Kuta Beach have been a fixture in the already been seen in parts of Indonesia affected by the viral tourism hotspot even before the pandemic. They’re so disease, though this includes additional measures and common that they have been regularly featured in travstricter enforcement. el blogs and websites. The policy includes shuttering of all businesses and services Comments on the video are divided, with some labeling except those deemed essential, and also banning appthe woman a “Karen” while others are defending her by based motorcycle taxis from picking up passengers, meansaying that beach peddlers in Bali can be annoyingly ing they are only allowed to transport goods and deliver persistent. One commenter advised the woman to visit food to customers. other places in Bali with fewer peddlers. The official implementation requires regional governments Bali Vice Governor Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Suto submit relevant data and reports regarding COVID-19 kawati, or popularly known as Cok Ace, said that he is spread in their area to the Health Ministry, among other aware of the woman’s grievance. things, which will assess them and decide on whether or not to grant approval. The process has been criticized for being “Yes, I’ve heard about the complaint [about] peddlers overly bureaucratic. forcing travelers [to buy their trinkets]. We have been in touch with the Kuta’s bendesa [traditional village Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, which has the highest number leader],” said Cok Ace. of confirmed COVID-19 cases, is set to become the country’s first region to officially enforce PSBB. As of this Cok Ace acknowledged that some locals have grown afternoon, the city reports 1,395 confirmed cases of the desperate for income as Bali’s entire tourism sector was coronavirus, including 133 deaths and 69 recoveries. struggling for two years due to the pandemic. Returning tourists represent an opportunity for locals like the beach peddlers. (coconuts.co 26/04/2022)

JAKARTA - Indonesia will temporarily ban all visits and transits by foreign nationals to the country to curb the further spread of the coronavirus. “President (Joko) sees that our current policy needs to be made stricter. We have decided that all visits and transits by foreign nationals to Indonesia will temporarily be banned,” Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters after a virtual ministers’ meeting with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday (March 31). Exceptions to the ban include those with work permits as well as diplomats, Ms Retno added, stressing that proper health protocols will still apply. President Joko said before the ministers’ meeting that Indonesia is stepping up measures to limit mobility among its citizens within the country, but threats of coronavirus spread also come from overseas. Mr Joko pointed out specifically that the epicentres of the pandemic have shifted to the United States and Europe. In Indonesia, Jakarta is the epicentre of the country’s coronavirus crisis, accounting for nearly half of the 1,414 confirmed cases. There are 122 deaths from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in Indonesia so far, the highest in South-east Asia. Stay in the know with e-mail alerts. “Practically all nations have put in place limits on the flow of travellers with varying (degree of) strictness depending on the respective situation and condition in each country,” Ms Retno said. Their policies have also impacted Indonesians living overseas, many of whom have recently returned home or are preparing to head home. According to Ms Retno, the two largest groups of homebound Indonesians are Indonesian migrant workers from Malaysia as well as Indonesians working as crews on cruise ships. “The inflow traffic from these two groups has been far larger than normal,” Ms Retno said. “In terms of size, the number of Indonesians living and working in Malaysia exceeds 1 million. And there are

Bali Visa On Arrival Program Adds 17 More Countries

In perhaps the most significant update for international travel to Bali since the reopening of Ngurah Rai airport in February, the Visa on Arrival program for Indonesia has been resumed in full. The Head of Bali Law and Human Rights Minister, Jamaruli Manihuruk, confirmed that the central government has resumed the VOA program for a total of 60 eligible countries. This latest announcement adds 17 new countries to the program starting from 28th April 2022. This all comes as part of the reduction in Covid-19 travel restrictions and preparations for hosting the G20 Conference in November 2022. The visa on arrival program is applicable for travelers arriving across Indonesia. There are currently nine international airports, eleven seaports, and four cross-border points of entry that are open for international travelers across Indonesia’s 17,000 islands. To qualify for a visa on arrival, the traveler must hold a passport from one of the sixty nations listed in the VOA program. They must show a return or onward bound ticket to another country, proof of payment for a visa on arrival and there must be a minimum of 6-months validity remaining on their passport.

11,838 Indonesian crews working for 80 cruise ships, as per data gathered so far,” Ms Retno added. She said the government is implementing proper health protocols at airports, seaports, border check points on these returning countrymen. Mr Joko on Monday said Indonesia needs stronger measures to limit mobility after receiving reports that thousands of workers in Jakarta and its surrounding areas have returned to their home towns after losing most or all of their income amid the coronavirus outbreak. There have been concerns of a spread of infections as people from Jakarta, the epicentre of the country’s outbreak, return home. The government is preparing regulations that would make it possible for Jakarta and other coronavirus red zones to be put under an “area quarantine”, a term observers see as equivalent to a lockdown, which would stop flows of people going in and out. (straitstimes.com 01/04/2020) Local authorities in Bali are reporting hundreds of workers having lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 outbreak and its subsequent impacts on the tourism industry, while thousands more have been instructed to stay at home without pay. In Denpasar, as many as 2,975 workers were told to stay at home without pay while another 53 workers were laid off, the city’s spokesman Gede Rai told Kompas, adding that the workers were from 37 different companies. “It’s because there is a lack of guests and hotels are not operating,” Gede Rai said. For the time being, authorities in Denpasar are reportedly planning a social protection strategy for these workers, including through Indonesian government’s pre-employment cards, which was launched last month. The cards, which aim to aid job seekers and unemployed workers, grant them access and funding to various trainings. The numbers are even higher in Badung regency, where some of the island’s most popular hotels and restaurants are located. An official from the regency’s Industry and Manpower Agency told Tribun yesterday that 198 workers have been laid off as of April 4, most of whom were employed in the tourism sector.

Bali plans to hold Nyepi-like observance to curb COVID-19 spread

Bali province’s Majelis Desa Adat, or traditional village council, says there are plans to hold a Nyepi-like observance later this month as part of an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 on the island, with the final decision set to be announced tomorrow. The council’s chief, Ida Panglingsir Agung Putra Sukahet, told Tribun yesterday that nothing has been decided for the time being, as authorities would need to hold a meeting first. “We will decide on April 8. If it’s going to happen we will issue an official circular from the traditional village council,” Agung Putra was quoted as saying. The observance, locally referred to as sipeng, will only mandate that people stay at home for three consecutive days and will not follow the exact same rules as the Balinese Day of Silence, according to reports. Ordinarily, Nyepi encourages self-reflection by prohibiting activities such as lighting a fire, working, and traveling or going out, among others. The planned sipeng, however, would only prohibit people from leaving their homes. While official details have not been announced, news of sipeng quickly made its rounds on social media, showcasing divided opinions among local residents. Prompted by concerns over COVID-19, som e are supportive of the initiative, while others question how people are expected to meet their daily needs should the observance take place. “I agree, but it’s

Thousands of workers in Bali on unpaid leave, hundreds more laid off

“Everywhere [in Indonesia] is pretty much facing the same condition. We don’t know when this will end,” Ida Bagus Oka Dirga, who heads the agency, said. He added that in Badung, more than 6,000 workers from 78 companies have been instructed to stay at home and given between 50 to 70 percent of their minimum salary. “Right now, with the hotels empty, of course workers will burden the operational cost. That’s why they have instructed them to stay home. However, we do hope they won’t be laying off [these workers],” I Made Badra, who heads the Tourism Agency in Badung, told Tribun.

Bali hotels roll out cheap promos or shut to survive coronavirus outbreak

The Bali Hotel Association (BHA), whose members include general managers of over 100 four-star and five-star hotels and resorts in Bali, said that most accommodations and restaurants in Bali have opted to temporarily close for at least one month. “At this time, almost all hotels and restaurants in Bali are closed temporarily for one to two months, as we monitor the most up to date situation,” BHA chairman I Made Ricky Darmika Putra told state news agency Antara yesterday. Ricky also responded to circulating information that many hotels in Bali are up for sale, clarifying that those reports are false. In addition, he explained how hotels that are still open have less than 10 percent occupancy rates, while most restaurants have cut their operational hours short. Meanwhile, some other hotels are still seeking to attract potential customers, and are rolling out cheap promotions on long-term stays. One example is Lv8, a hotel located in Canggu, which offers a one-month stay fee starting from IDR8million (US$481). For perspective, the hotel’s normal daily rate ranges from IDR800K-1 million. (coconuts.com 07/04/2020)

JAKARTA - Indonesia will temporarily ban all visits and transits by foreign nationals to the country to curb the further spread of the coronavirus. “President (Joko) sees that our current policy needs to be made stricter. We have decided that all visits and transits by foreign nationals to Indonesia will temporarily be banned,” Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters after a virtual ministers’ meeting with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday (March 31). Exceptions to the ban include those with work permits as well as diplomats, Ms Retno added, stressing that proper health protocols will still apply. President Joko said before the ministers’ meeting that Indonesia is stepping up measures to limit mobility among its citizens within the country, but threats of coronavirus spread also come from overseas. Mr Joko pointed out specifically that the epicentres of the pandemic have shifted to the United States and Europe. In Indonesia, Jakarta is the epicentre of the country’s coronavirus crisis, accounting for nearly half of the 1,414 confirmed cases. There are 122 deaths from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in Indonesia so far, the highest in South-east Asia. Stay in the know with e-mail alerts. “Practically all nations have put in place limits on the flow of travellers with varying (degree of) strictness depending on the respective situation and condition in each country,” Ms Retno said. Their policies have also impacted Indonesians living overseas, many of whom have recently returned home or are preparing to head home. According to Ms Retno, the two largest groups of homebound Indonesians are Indonesian migrant workers from Malaysia as well as Indonesians working as crews on cruise ships. “The inflow traffic from these two groups has been far larger than normal,” Ms Retno said. “In terms of size, the number of Indonesians living and working in Malaysia exceeds 1 million. And there are 11,838 Indonesian crews working for 80 cruise ships, as per data gathered so far,” Ms Retno added. She said the government is implementing proper health protocols at airports, seaports, border check points on these returning countrymen. Mr Joko on Monday said Indonesia needs stronger measures to limit mobility after receiving reports that thousands of workers in Jakarta and its surrounding areas have returned to their home towns after losing most or all of their income amid the coronavirus outbreak. There have been concerns of a spread of infections as people important to inform the general public way ahead of the actual dates. So it doesn’t seem so abrupt.” “So will there be provision of food from the government?” “Those who have plenty of money from monthly salary have it good as they can simply stock up, but what can we do when we depend on daily income. If it were to happen for four days please think it further wisely.” As of yesterday afternoon, Bali confirmed eight additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the island’s total to 43. This includes 19 recoveries and two deaths of foreign nationals. (Coconuts.com 07/04/2020)

from Jakarta, the epicentre of the country’s outbreak, return home. The government is preparing regulations that would make it possible for Jakarta and other coronavirus red zones to be put under an “area quarantine”, a term observers see as equivalent to a lockdown, which would stop flows of people going in and out. Coordinating maritime affairs and investment minister Luhut Pandjaitan said in a video message on Tuesday that the government would take the decision within this week, stressing however Indonesia would use the term lockdown. Indonesia would also issue a presidential emergency decree that would allow the government to have an annual budget deficit of larger than 3 per cent – currently not allowed by the existing laws – so that it could spend more to deploy cash, especially to the poorest population in the country. This exemption would apply for three years, before a normal threshold of 3 per cent would be reinstalled for 2023 annual budget year. “(Finance Minister) Sri Mulyani is currently making her calculation. What if we give the bottom 40 per cent or 20 per cent direct cash handouts. It is being thoroughly calculated,” Mr Luhut said. President Joko said on Monday that over the past eight days alone, 876 buses had transported about 14,000 people in Greater Jakarta back to their home towns, mostly in West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta and East Java provinces. Others had taken the trains and ships home, he added. These are mostly daily-rated workers such as push-cart food sellers, in what is termed the informal sector of the economy. (straitstimes.com 01/04/2020)

Bali’s The Nusa Dua improves safety measures amid pandemic

State-owned enterprise Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) is implementing safety measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 at tourist destination The Nusa Dua in Bali. I Gusti Ngurah Ardita, managing director of The Nusa Dua, told Antara news agency that a letter had been sent to tenants, urging them to provide hand sanitizers and regularly spray disinfectant in public areas, including toilets, pray rooms, ATM booths and shuttle buses. “This is in accordance with a circular letter from Bali’s provincial administration on improving hygiene and sanitation to combat the virus,” he said. Tenants at The Nusa Dua are also required to check the temperature of all staff and visitors and to routinely clean their sites. A crisis center has been set up for guests, with services that include delivery to the nearest hospital and routine check-ups with health agencies. Ardita added that The Nusa Dua’s employees have been working from home from March 16, except for security and cleaning staff, who have been equipped with protective gear and follow physical distancing measures while on duty. As of March 26, the occupancy rate at The Nusa Dua had dropped 30.45 percent since February. “We hope the pandemic will end soon and tourism in Bali can improve,” said Ardita. On Tuesday, Bali declared a state of emergency by imposing stricter measures on visitors in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 as cases continue to climb with local transmission detected. With the status, the resort island will tighten checks at entrance gates and enforce a 14-day self-quarantine for all people entering the island. (thejakartapost.com 01/04/2020)

Denpasar mayor urges city residents to stay at home amid coronavirus outbreak

The Mayor of Denpasar yesterday urged the city’s residents to refrain from returning to their hometowns and stay at home instead, as part of an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Bali. “I am asking all residents living in Denpasar for the time being do not go anywhere, including to go to your hometown, stay at your respective homes [instead] to break the chain on COVID-19 spread,” , as quoted by state news agency Antara. Many of those who live in Denpasar hail from different parts of the island and even the country. With the social and physical distancing advisory in place and the option to return to their family homes might make sense financially, officials fear it might contribute to further spread of COVID-19. According to Denpasar government’s, there are currently 96 people under monitoring in the city, along with two patients under observation and two more who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Across Bali, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases stand at 10 as of yesterday afternoon, including two deaths of foreign nationals, while a total of 141 patients have been placed under observation, as per data from the provincial government.

Since the reopening of Indonesian borders for travelers in February 2022, numbers of visitors have risen consistently and show no sign of slowing down. This comes as welcome news for the travel and tourism sector of Bali whose businesses have been decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Bali Governor, I Wayan Koster confirmed that Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport has recorded a 287% increase in its international arrivals in April compared to March 2022. This sharp increase in arrivals can be attributed to the ending of Indonesia’s strict quarantine policy and the reopening of the visa on arrival program. The visa on arrival program enables travelers from 60 countries to travel to Indonesia without filing for a tourist visa before their arrival. The visa on arrival enables visitors from the 60 listed countries to stay in Indonesia for up to 30-days. Widespread uptake of the vaccine is also being hailed as a reason why travelers feel confident and safe to resume international travels. Governor Koster has stated that the distribution of the vaccine within Bali has enabled restrictions to be reduced. In a press statement, he said that he feels optimistic that tourism in Bali will make a speedy recovery and that the island is ready and excited to host the G20 Summit in November 2022. During April Bali received an average of 2,222 arrivals per day, totaling 66,685 people across the month. Despite the increase in total visitor numbers, the number of domestic flights decreased in the month of March. This was due to lower demand for travel during the month of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month. However, over the Eid Al-Fitr weekend, the number of domestic travelers on the move across Indonesia increased significantly with many people leaving Bali and crossing the strait to enjoy the beaches of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. As Bali, and Indonesia more broadly, continue to emerge “Our success in breaking the chain of coronavirus spread requires discipline and cooperation from everyone, not only the government, but also the public in heeding the instructions and suggestions from officials,” Rai Mantra said. Last week, a nurse who tested positive for COVID-19 reportedly went home to Tabanan regency, prompting officials to trace her close contacts immediately.

from Covid-19 travel restrictions both authorities and locals have their eyes set on the G20 Summit. The event is a hugely important opportunity for Indonesia to showcase its tourism sector to the world and to table itself as an essential economy on the world stage. The Indonesian government and provincial ministries are taking the G20 Presidency seriously. There will be 39 heads of state in attendance with over 10,000 delegates, representatives, speakers, and other attendees during the twoday event. The G20 Summit will be held from the 15-16th November, with supporting events happening throughout the month. With widespread vaccine rollout and both Australia and New Zealand opening their borders for travel, it is coming easier for travelers from Indonesia’s most depended upon nations to plan their travels. Despite borders opening and quarantine restrictions ending earlier in February and March, rules for Australians and New Zealanders returning home heavily influenced people’s decisions to travel. Although Indonesia was open, many countries were still imposing strict quarantine tules for their own citizens upon their return meaning many have held off booking their time abroad. (antaranews.com 04/05/2022) The list includes South Africa, United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Australia, Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Philippines, Finland, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Italy, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Germany, Cambodia, Canada, South Korea, Croatia, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Myanmar, Norway, France, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, New Zealand, Seychelles, Singapore, Cyrus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, China, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Vietnam, and Greece. When speaking at a press conference Jamaruli Manihuruk said that he hopes that these updates to the visa on arrival programs will ‘make it easier for delegates and participates to attend international events held in Bali’. He was making specific reference to the G20 Summit that will be hosted in Bali in November 2022. This is one of the biggest international political conferences in the world. Bali will welcome delegates, speakers, and visitors from the G20 nations and international media teams reporting on every moment. For travelers seeking to visit Bali during November 2022, it is advised that booking is essential. With delegates, politicians, and high profile individuals from the world’s biggest economies all heading to Bali at the same time, there are guaranteed disruptions to travel across the island and ultra-high demand for accommodation. For now, however, travelers heading to Bali can tick one predeparture item off their to-do list. The visa on arrival program is up and running once again. If travelers wish to extend their visa from 30-day on arrival to 60-day, they must make sure they pay for their visa on arrival, even if their passport entitles them to a free visa on arrival. (antaranews.com 04/05/2022)

Health Ministry ups vigilance against mysterious hepatitis in children

The Ministry of Health has increased vigilance against a mysterious form of acute hepatitis that is affecting children in several countries. “In the past two weeks, we have increased our vigilance in Indonesia because the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared acute hepatitis as an extraordinary event,” spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, confirmed here on Tuesday. She noted that reports of the disease have come from countries in Europe, America, and Asia, and no cause has been determined as of April 15, 2022. Vigilance in Indonesia has been increased on account of the deaths of three children undergoing treatment for suspected acute hepatitis at the Dr. Ciptomangunkusuma Hospital, Jakarta, Tarmizi said. They died at different times in the two weeks till April 30, she informed. “These three patients were referred from hospitals in East Jakarta and West Jakarta,” she added. The three patients showed symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, fever, jaundice, seizures, and decreased consciousness, she said. Currently, the Ministry of Health is investigating the causes of acute hepatitis through a complete virus panel examination. The Jakarta Provincial Health Office is also conducting further epidemiological investigations. She advised parents to take children to the nearest health facility if they experience symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, sudden vomiting and diarrhea, tea-colored urine, pale stools, seizures, and decreased consciousness. (antaranews.com 04/05/2022)