Post pandemic Indonesia opens its border for Indian tourists
As travel and tourism from India and its neighbouring countries is bouncing back in full vigour after two years of pandemic related disruptions.Indonesia, a land gifted with pristine beaches, exotic water villas on serene islands, vibrant tribes and their cultural ethos has also opened their doors to Indian tourists. To know more and clear the doubts of Indian tourists, Mumbai Messenger Newspaper interviewed His Excellency Agus P. Saptano – Consul General of The Republic of Indonesia in Mumbai. He shared detailed information with Mewati Sitaram – Editor in Chief.
Has Indonesia opened its doors to Indian tourists? When did it come into force?
Indonesia is one of the prominent tourist destinations for Indian and other tourists from across the globe. As the Pandemic is on the verge of vanishing, Directorate General of Immigration announced that Indonesia opened its doors to international tourists effective since 28 April 2022. Indian passport holders / tourists would be issued a visa on Arrival.
Are there any Covid-19 related restrictions on entry into Indonesia in public spaces or at borders?
There are no Covid-19 related restrictions but visitors have to take care and follow a certain protocol. It includes wearing face masks and keeping their social distance mandatory in public places.
Any suggestions for tourists travelling to Indonesia, any mandatory terms?
There are few suggestions and guidelines for tourists. The visitors have to complete both vaccinations at least 15 days prior to Indonesia, as per the Circular in effect from 28 th April, 2022, Indian passport holders can get their visa on arrival at specific Indonesian Airports. Visitors should have an Indian Passport valid for more than 6 months, Return tickets and Hotel Booking Confirmation. They should have a complete dose of vaccination certificate. You need to Download the PEDULILINDUNGI App on your mobile phones. If the applicants find difficulties in uploading the vaccination details on the App, the Officers at the Indonesian Airport will assist the travellers.
Pristine Beaches at Bali
Does a visitor need RTPCR test prior to departure or on arriving to India?
Pre-arrival PCR test is not required for all passengers arriving to enter Indonesia and they do not require any RTPCR negative test report. But yes, at Indonesian Airport their body temperature will be checked. While returning back to India, Indian passengers have to register themselves to the Indonesia Web portal of Air Shuvidha on (https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/apho-registration).
Which are the best places Indian tourists should visit?
There are several tourist destinations in Indonesia but Bali is still the most popular destination for Indian tourists. Main Aspects of Bali is that Indian visitors have been coming to Bali for various occasions. These occasions include weddings, religious pilgrimages, honeymoons and family holidays. The Indian visitors also visit to attend Meetings, Conventions and Exhibitions. It may be noted that the majority of Balinese people are Hindus (over 93%), which is a factor which makes Indian Tourists feel at home. The locals call Bali “the Land of the Gods”, due to its serenity and abundance of temples.
What are the similarities in Indonesian and Indian culture?
India and Indonesia have historical similarities in cultures and even in language. While the stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharata are familiar to most Indonesians and they feel proud of it. Because of the above factors, India has always been an important market for Indonesia. In April 2018 Garuda Indonesia Airlines even had direct flights between Bali – Mumbai.
Please elaborate on the flow of Indian tourists prior to the pandemic?
There was systematic growth of Indian tourists to Indonesia prior to the pandemic. The number of visitors from India continued to add to every year. In 2019, total visitors from India reached 6, 57,300. During the first three months of 2020 before Covid-19 outbreak, tourist flow reached 1, 04,765 visitors. Similarly that same year, Indian visitors to Indonesia were about 5 times the number of Indonesians to India. We are anticipating that the number of tourists will certainly grow further in the coming period. Now all the restrictions have been lifted and borders are open to welcome them again.
Ngrenehan Beach with many boats parking
Beside Bali can you highlight a few more tourist destinations?
Indonesia is one of the world’s most beautiful places to visit and the most visited holiday destination. Besides Bali, there are numerous tourist destinations which can be explored. The list is endless but you can travel around these places too, that includes Jakarta – Melting Pot Of Cultures, Borobudur Temple – World’s Biggest Buddhist Sanctuary, Gili Islands – For The Best Nightlife, Raja Ampat Islands – Explore Rare Species Of Corals, Kelimutu Lake – Dramatic Volcanic Peaks, Komodo National Park – For Giant Monitor Lizards, Mount Bromo – Volcano In An Active State, Ubud – Hike Through Rainforests & Rice Paddy Fields, Belitung – For Dutch Colonial Architecture, Lombok – A Stunning Marine Life, North Sulawesi – Best Diving Sites and Yogyakarta – A Quaint Little Pretty Place.
For further information tourists can visit this website:
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
