To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Indonesia has again restricted entry for foreign nationals into the country starting from 1 January to 14 Januari 2021.

According to its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsud, for foreigners arriving in Indonesia from Monday (Desember 28) until Thursday (31 Desember), they must have a letter showing their swab test results or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test from the country of origin as reported by Bernama.

She said upon arrival at Jakarta airport, they would have to undergo another PCR test and undergo quarantine for five days.

Selain itu, Retno said Indonesians who are abroad are allowed to return to the country during the effective period of the new rules, which are 1 untuk 14 Januari 2021, by complying with the COVID-19 health rules set.

Retno said restrictions on foreigners entering the country were exempted from official visits by ministers and leaders from foreign countries. Namun, they still have to comply with the COVID-19 health procedures set.

Indonesia previously opened its borders to foreign nationals, especially to revitalize Bali’s tourism sector.

But lately, new positive COVID-19 cases in the republic have continued to increase.

Based on data posted on the official Twitter page of the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency @BNPB_Indonesia today, the overall positive cases in Indonesia increased to 719,219 kasus, with a cumulative death of 21,452 orang-orang.

Total dari 5,854 new cases were recorded within 24 jam, with another 215 meninggal.