Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has embarked on an aggressive effort to initiate tourism recovery, including proposing a soft loan programme worth 9.9 trillion rupiah (US$712 million), giving out a second tranche of grant funding with an expanded recipient list, as well as prioritising vaccination for tourism frontliners.
The authority has also brought up potential plans for Covid-19 ‘green zones’ in Bali, areas where travellers can visit and stay.
Additionally, Sandiaga Uno, minister of tourism and creative economy, has proposed to the related ministries for the issuance of a visa with a five-year validity targeting international visitors.
The long-term visa, Sandiaga said, would specifically target business travellers and visitors, including digital nomads, who wish to spend three or four months per year in Indonesia.
Under the plan, each individual will have to pay a deposit of one billion rupiah or 2.5 billion rupiah for their entire family. Visa holders will also be allowed to conduct investment activities in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the government is ensuring strict compliance with Covid-19 safety protocols by issuing penalties for tourists who flout the rules.
Umberto Cadamuro, COO Inbound of Pacto, said that it is critical that the government establish “simple, clear, and strict regulations” to stem the virus spread, citing the Maldives and Dubai as role models.
He also hopes that the government will set a date for the reopening of borders to international travellers, so that the trade could plan for sales.
Budijanto Ardiansjah, director of My Duta Tour, stressed the need for a cautious approach to welcoming tourists back into Indonesia. A clear plan for post-border reopening needs to be set up by the government, including ensuring that incoming travellers are Covid-19-free, he added.
