President Joko Widodo urged Indonesians to resume wearing masks in busy outdoor public settings, at a press conference this week.
Speaking from Jakarta Jokowi said ‘I also want to remind all of us, that Covid-19 still exists. Because [of this] both indoors and outdoors wearing a mask is still a must’.
In addition, he mentioned ‘that the regional governments, our district, and provincial governments and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) must continue to carry out booster vaccinations because this is really needed’.
Although not out of control, Indonesia’s caseloads are growing. For this reason, Jokowi has strengthened the requirement for masks for everyone on all Indonesian islands, including visitors to Bali.
This implies that masks are required in crowded areas like streets, beaches, parks, and gatherings. The requirement to wear a mask is still in effect for indoor public spaces like malls, theaters, work spaces, and public transportation. A mask is not necessary for outdoor activities like gardening, sports, or eating away from other tables.
“If people are doing outdoor activities or in open areas that are not crowded with people, they [do not need] to wear masks…however, for activities in closed [and crowded] spaces and public transportation, masks must still be used”.
Regarding travel restrictions, he reiterated the recent decision to stop PCR testing for international travel.
He stated, “For domestic and international travelers who have received a full dose of vaccinations, there [continues to be] no need to conduct PCR or antigen swab tests’.”
However, according to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, the country does have plans to require tourists to provide proof of a booster vaccination if they wish to enter the country or if they attempt to enter busy public facilities.
As of July 17, Indonesian nationals must receive a booster vaccination before spending time in crowded public places and flying domestically or abroad.
The date for the introduction of the booster vaccination for foreign travelers has not yet been announced by the Indonesian government. The coordinator for the Java-Bali Covid-19 restrictions, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, said last week that the new rules would take effect “within the next two weeks.”