Get Covid-19 Tests in 48 Hours Before Departure, Bali Visitors Told

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Stricter rules are in place for travelers who are planning to visit Bali as the Indonesian government requires a Covid-19 test two days before departure.

Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said the Covid-19 tests are required for both travelers by air and land. Luhut also serves Deputy Chairman of the Covid-19 Mitigation and National Economic Recovery (KPC-PEN) Committee

“Air travelers are required to get their PCR [polymerase chain reaction] tests two days before leaving for Bali,” said Luhut.

Also, those who will travel by land must get their rapid antigen tests two days before entry into the resort island of Bali.

Also read: Healthcare Workers in Java, Bali to Get Covid-19 Vaccine First: Ministry of Health

He then instructed the Minister of Health, National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) head, and Minister of Transportation to immediately set the procedures.

“A standard operating procedure to utilize the rapid antigen tests and must be completed immediately,” the Senior Minister said.

Besides, he called on the Bali Regional Administration to tighten the health protocols in rest areas, hotels, and tourist attractions.

The government data said that Bali is one of the eight provinces that reported a significant increase in Covid-19 cases. Other provinces include Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, South Sulawesi, North Sumatra, and South Kalimantan.

It was reported that the transmission of the coronavirus continues to increase. As of December 15, Indonesia recorded 6,120 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total number of infected to 629,429 since the first two cases were announced on March 2.