While the restrictions on public activities are applied to limit public movement and reduce the spread of Covid-19 infections, the government has also introduced a travel bubble scheme. This mechanism allows international tourists to keep visiting Indonesian destinations, as long as they follow strict protocols and regulations.

What Is a Travel Bubble?

A travel bubble is a travel corridor arrangement that divides travelers into specific groups (bubbles). The goal is to separate people with increased risks of Covid-19 exposure (for example their contact history or history of travel to areas with high transmissions) from the general public. Interaction is limited to individuals within the same bubble only, and quarantine principles are applied to reduce the chance of Covid-19 transmission. According to Wiku Adisasmito, Coordinator of the Expert Team and Spokesperson for the Covid-19 Management Task Force, one of the aims of the travel bubble is to support the recovery of national economy through tourism, while still enforcing carefully regulated health protocols.

The Covid-19 Task Force has issued Circular Letter (SE) Number 3 of 2022 on Health Protocols for International Travelers and the Travel Bubble Mechanism in the Batam, Bintan, and Singapore areas during the Covid-19 pandemic. This circular, effective from January 24, 2022, outlines several rules related to the implementation of travel bubbles.

What Are the Regulations for Travel Bubbles?

Entry Rules

• Present a complete Covid-19 vaccination card, written in English in addition to the language of the country or region of origin, with vaccination completed at least 14 days before departure and verified via the Indonesian Ministry of Health website or e-HAC International Indonesia.

• Present a negative RT-PCR result taken no more than 3×24 hours before departure.

• Present a tourist visa or entry permit in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.

• Present proof of confirmation and payment for the tour package.

• Present proof of health insurance with minimum coverage of S$30,000.

• Use the PeduliLindungi and Bluepass applications while carrying out activities in the travel bubble area.

• Undergo body temperature screening and RT-PCR test on arrival at the travel bubble entry point.

If the RT-PCR Test for the Traveler is Positive

• Asymptomatic travelers or those with mild symptoms of Covid-19 infection will be isolated or treated in facilities outside the travel bubble area. All related costs are paid independently for foreign nationals or borne by the government for Indonesian citizens.

   

• Travelers with positive test results and moderate or severe symptoms of Covid-19 infection will be treated in a hospital, with referrals arranged and costs again paid independently for foreign nationals or covered by the government for Indonesian citizens.

While You Are in the Travel Bubble Area

• You may only interact with other tourists or individuals within the travel bubble area.

• All activities must take place in designated zones according to the agreed itinerary.

• You must report to health officers if you experience any symptoms related to Covid-19 infection.

• You must comply with Indonesia’s contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine procedures.

• You must wear a three-layer cloth mask or a medical mask that fully covers the nose, mouth, and chin.

• You should replace your mask every four hours and dispose of used masks in the provided bins.

• You should wash your hands frequently with soap and running water or use hand sanitizer, especially after touching surfaces handled by other people.

• You must keep at least 1.5 meters of distance from others and avoid crowds.

Travelers are allowed to return home or leave the travel bubble zone after receiving a negative RT-PCR test result.

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