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THE TRAVEL Bubble between Indonesia and Singapore starts on a trial Monday (1/24) until an undetermined time. The Association of Indonesian Travel Companies (Asita) also welcomes and supports this policy.
To note, the Travel Bubble is a policy of eliminating the quarantine period which is usually mandatory for international travelers when entering a country during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy only applies to travelers from certain countries who have agreed with each other to open their borders. However, access for other countries remains limited.
According to Asita Deputy Chairperson, Budijanto Ardijansyah quoted from kompas.com, Tuesday (1/25) conveyed his support for the Travel Bubble trial through the Riau Islands and Singapore or Bintan-Singapore. I think it’s fine. But there are a few things we should pay attention to.
“There are two main things that need to be considered regarding the travel bubble, firstly, the travel bubble is appropriate because the graphic condition of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia is relatively low. Although there has been an increase in Omicron cases, the size is still under control,” he said.
Secondly, he continued, it is good to do a travel bubble if Indonesia invites equal countries. In the sense of having relatively the same COVID-19 cases or even having a good history of handling cases.
If it is carried out in unequal countries or one of the cases is very high, Budi remarked, of course it cannot be carried out between the two parties. In addition to making, it easier for people to move, the travel bubble can also help the tourism industry between the two countries, which was previously sluggish due to the pandemic.
Regarding the concern that the Omicron peak might occur at a later date, Budi said that the policy could be adjusted. Yes, we’ll see, because the travel bubble doesn’t last very long either. There is a time period and will definitely continue to be studied.
“For future plans, there is the possibility of cooperation with other countries. For some countries whose cases are below ours, for example Japan or Thailand, it’s possible, why not. But again, they must be controlled and fair in opening their country,” Budijanto Ardijansyah noted.
According to Budi, the first travel bubble was carried out with Singapore for several reasons. Apart from the proximity factor, there are also political reasons. This means that this policy was carried out because Singapore had opened their country first, then Indonesia gave the same treatment.
Finally, he stated the readiness of tourism industry players to welcome tourists who come through the travel bubble. We and the tourism actors are ready, it will definitely be managed and welcomed well. [kompas.com/photo special]
