Indonesia to Reopen Bali to International Flights from Oct. 14

KOMPAS.com – The government of Indonesia has decided to reopen the I Gusti Ngurah Rai Bali Airport for international flights starting from October 14 as the number of Covid-19 confirmed cases continue to decline.

The airport in the resort island closed to international flights for over a year to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said Monday that Bali would soon welcome the international travelers as long as they adhere to all rules regarding quarantine and testing for Covid-19. The international travelers will also be required to show proof of hotel bookings for undergoing at least eight days of quarantine at their own cost.

Also read: Indonesia’s Java, Bali No Longer Deemed Covid-19 Red Zone Today

“We are open to several countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand,” Luhut told a press conference on Monday, October 4.

Previously, Tourism and Creative Minister Sandiaga Uno said that Bali will prepare its three green zones in Sanur, Ubud, and Nusa Dua at the beginning of the reopening of Bali to foreign travelers. Sandiaga said that tourist establishments in these three locations will strictly implement cleanliness, health, safety, and environment (CHSE) measures to stem the spread of coronavirus.

Indonesia started to gradually reopen the country’s economy after the coronavirus infections continue to decline. However, the Covid-19 restrictions on public activities in Java-Bali remain in place and it has been further extended by two weeks until October 18.

During the press conference, Luhut said some adjustments to public activities have been made following continuous improvement in the Covid-19 indicators.

Also read: Bali Covid Cases Decline, Local Administration Prepares Strategies for Tourism

The relaxations will allow fitness centers to resume operations but limit their capacity to 25 percent. They must follow strict health protocols and implement the Covid-19 contact tracing app PeduliLindungi.