Indonesia Officially Closed the Territory to Foreigners Starting January for 14 Days

The Indonesian government officially closes the territory for foreign citizens (WNA) starting early next year for 14 days.

The closure of this area is in anticipation of the spread of a new strain of the Covid-19 corona virus originating from the UK.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said, based on the results of the Cabinet meeting on Monday, December 28, the Indonesian government decided to close entry access for all foreign citizens from January 1 to January 14 2020.

Indonesia’s policy to close the area of access for foreigners is to respond to the development and spread of the new virus resulting from the mutation of the Corona Covid-19 virus.

Meanwhile, for foreigners arriving in the territory of Indonesia on Monday, December 28-December 31 2020, the government enforces the provisions for the addendum to the Covid Task Force Circular Letter No.3 of 2020, namely:

a) Foreigners are required to show negative RT PCR test results from the country of origin which are valid 2×24 hours before departure time. The results of the negative Covid-19 examination must be attached to the health examination.

b) Upon arrival in the Republic of Indonesia, the foreigner is required to re-examine the RT PCR. If the test results show negative results, the foreigner is required to carry out quarantine for 5 days from the date of arrival.

For the record, this quarantine must be carried out by foreigners in places that have been appointed by the government at independent costs.

c) After the foreigners have quarantined for 5 days, they are required to re-examine the RT PCR test. If the results of the examination are negative, the foreigner is allowed to continue the journey.

On that occasion, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi also emphasized that based on Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, Indonesian citizens (WNI) who are abroad are still allowed to return to the territory of the Republic of Indonesia, by following the provisions of the addendum SE Task Force Covid-19 No. 3/2020.

a) Indonesian citizens returning from abroad are required to show the negative RT PCR results from the country of origin at least 2×24 hours from the time of departure, and attach them to the medical examination.

b) Upon arrival in RI, Indonesian citizens are required to re-examine the RT PCR. If the test result is negative, the Indonesian citizen is required to quarantine for 5 days from arrival at the quarantine accommodation places that have been provided by the government.

c) After quarantine for 5 days, it is obligatory to conduct RT PCR inspection. If the results of the RT PCR examination are negative, be advised to continue the journey.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized that the temporary closure of Indonesian territory for foreigners is exempted from official visits by officials at the ministerial level and above, by implementing very strict health protocols.

Furthermore, this government policy will be outlined in the Covid-19 Task Force Circular.