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THE MINISTRY of Tourism and Creative Economy explained that foreign tourists were starting to enthusiastically come to Indonesia, especially when the Visa on Arrival (VoA) policy was expanded. There was a request, especially from Bali, for an expansion of Visa on Arrival again, after 43 countries entered the VoA policy. If we look at the policy until April, this immigration facility has provided convenience (for foreign tourists).
According to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno recently in Jakarta said the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy will continue to encourage the addition of countries on the VoA list while monitoring the situation and conditions on the ground.
“We will continue to encourage the addition of VoA in collaboration with relevant ministries and stakeholders. While calculating the increase in the number of foreign tourists from the enactment of the policy,” said Sandiaga.
Moreover, starting April 6, foreign nationals (foreigners) from nine ASEAN countries have been granted visa-free visits. Thus, he assessed that there would be an additional number of other foreign tourists. However, I advised that there must be readiness from both countries, such as coordination, including regarding the pandemic conditions in each place.
“For example, Australia is ready, but we have difficulty procuring flights, this is what we must prepare for in the future. The addition of countries that are given the VoA requires coordination and discussions involving other ministries and institutions, as well as expert opinions regarding the COVID-19 condition in the country. ,” he said.
According to him, the positive response of foreign tourists to this policy can be seen from the data for the last few days. Data on international passenger movements at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport from February-April 2022 shows 36% departures or 20,942 people, and 64% arrivals or 36,423 people.
“From the data on the movement of international passengers in Bali from February to April 2022, a total of 24% or 13,383 Indonesian citizens, and 76% or 43,310 foreigners,” he concluded. [sources/photo special]
