Indonesia hopes to revive its badly affected tourism sector by reopening travel bubbles to Bali, Bintan, and Batam. This might happen as early as July.
Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno spearheaded this initiative. Setting up travel bubbles took place in discussions with representatives from seven countries, including Singapore. Though quarantine won’t be required, the need for vaccination, however, remains unclear.
Other countries discussions took place with include the UAE, China, and the Netherlands. More countries will be offered this travel bubble if they successfully contain the spread of the virus and have high vaccination rates.
Thus, Indonesian President Joko Widodo has announced that a ‘COVID-free corridor’ can only proceed “if the pandemic is under control.” Therefore, Indonesia’s government has carried out widespread inoculation for targeted groups, whereby the large majority are workers in the tourist industry.
The situation in Bali
Of a 4.4 million population, 1.35 million people in Bali have received their first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine, while around 646,000 have completed both doses. Thus, Bali is currently experiencing the highest rate of vaccination per capita in Indonesia. This data is updated as of Thursday, 3 Jun 2021.
Also read: Bali Will Reopen Borders to International Tourists by June If Vaccinations Are Consistent
For Indonesia’s travel bubble to reopen, Bali must satisfy the following criteria: Low COVID-19 numbers, increased compliance to health protocols, and stronger testing, tracing, and treatment. Most importantly, at least 2 million Balinese must have completed their vaccination by July.
Bali’s “green zones” are Ubud, Sanur, and Nusa Dua — all of which are popular tourist spots. Designated “green zones” are areas where a large majority of residents have received both doses of the vaccination.
The situation in the Riau Islands of Bintan and Bali
The Riau Islands are planning to set up a one-way travel corridor. This means that only visitors from Singapore can enter Bintan and Bali, but not vice versa. The aim is to get tourists to visit Indonesia, rather than for Indonesian tourists to go abroad. Travellers from Singapore will have to show a negative PCR test result upon arrival.
Also read: Singapore In Talks to Open Travel Corridor with Batam & Bintan
This travel bubble plan includes popular resort destinations that have been marked COVID-safe, such as the Nongsa area in Batam and the Lagoi area in Bintan.
However, with proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test, Indonesian travellers may also enter these spots.
A safe Indonesia travel bubble can reopen if a target of 30,000 individuals in these islands get vaccinated. As of March 2021, the vaccination numbers of tourism workers stand at more than 1,500 in Batam and more than 2,000 in Bintan.
Moreover, the Tourism Minister has received requests from other regions to become candidates for the travel corridor. These include Belitung, Yogyakarta, and Lake Toba.
What to do now?
While waiting for the news of the Indonesia travel bubble, why not start planning a trip to the land of beach resorts and mountains?
Also read: 10 Things That Are Way Cheaper in Batam than Singapore
Share this good news with friends and family who’ve been yearning to visit Bali and the Riau Islands!
Featured image credit: Yulia Agnis | Unsplash