People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) chairman Bambang Soesatyo has voiced support for the government’s plan to reopen international flights at two airports in the near future.
The two airports are Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali and Kualanamu International Airport in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra.
“I support the government’s plan which aims to restore the country’s tourism and economy,” Soesatyo said in a written statement issued here on Thursday.
However, he asked the local governments resuming international flights to remain vigilant and enforce strict security and supervision at every entrance to Indonesia, especially international entry through air transportation.
This would anticipate and prevent the spread of possible new COVID-19 variants in Indonesia through transportation serving international routes, he said.
The government must quarantine foreign nationals and Indonesian citizens traveling abroad after they enter Indonesian territory, he added.
The effort is important to prevent new cases of COVID-19 emerging due to international travel, he explained.
Soesatyo also asked the government to prepare regulations or provisions for international travelers that would include task force preparedness, quarantine provisions, health protocols implementation, and proper and accurate COVID-19 testing.
The government and all relevant parties must also remain alert during any easing of existing policies, especially policies related to the reopening of international travel, he affirmed.
“Do not let negligence happen that can again increase the COVID-19 cases in the country,” he said.
Earlier, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Thohir had said that he expected the establishment of a Health Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Sanur village, Bali province to revive the province’s tourism sector.
During his meeting with the Bali governor, he also discussed the readiness of state-owned enterprises to support the reopening of international flights to Bali.
“Readiness and vigilance at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport as the main access for tourists have to be properly maintained and improved to provide services with guaranteed standard health protocols,” Thohir remarked. (
Source: Antara News