Immigration Indonesia Reformation
General Bali News19 September 2022

Immigration Indonesia Reformation – President Urges Changes

Immigration Indonesia Reformation – President Wants to Shake Up Immigration

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has asked that tImmigration Indonesia Reformationhe Immigration Department simplify and ease the process for obtaining visas-on-arrival (VoA) and Limited Stay Permits (Kitas), particularly for foreign investors. 

As Beritasatu.com and Beritabali.com report, the President’s instructions come after receiving many complaints regarding immigration service. The President spoke while leading a meeting convened with top officials to discuss VoA and Kitas at the National Palace in Jakarta on Friday, 9 September 2022.

The President said that he had received so many complaints regarding immigration that he hoped a total transformation would now occur to ease and improve services from the government agency. (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

President Joko Widodo commented: “What I have seen and conveyed to me has come from investors, tourists, people wanting to obtain a Kitas, or a resident permit. I feel that immigration continues to arrange and control the process. Until when? When will this end? This is difficult.”

For these reasons, President Widodo calls for a complete revamp of how immigration handles VoA and Kitas. He said the regulations must be simplified and serve tourists and investors coming to Indonesia.

“This has to change. The atmosphere of immigration should be one of service and facilitation. There needs to be a total change. If we want to attract investment and tourists, there needs to be a change,” said the President.

“This needs to be changed; it must be. What should be its aura is to facilitate and serve. It must change completely. If we want investment and tourists to come, it must be changed,” said Jokowi.

Joko Widodo also said the importance of granting VoA or a Kitas to potential investors must also be seen from the perspective of the investment’s size, job creation, contribution to the economy, and opportunity to enhance exports. (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

The President cited examples from several countries that have facilitated visas and stay permits for foreigners with economic potential or special skills. 

Joko Widodo said he wished to see immigration provide better service and abandon past practices. Easier visas and Kitas for investors and experts are sure to benefit the people of Indonesia.

Sounding an ominous warning to his cabinet and the hierarchy of the immigration department, the President told the cabinet to change the practices of the immigration department, replacing all officials starting from the director-general on down if needed. Adding that if such steps are not taken, nothing will change. (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

Fuel Prices Increased 03 September

bali fuel price hikeThe Indonesian Government has increased the price of subsidized fuel, including Pertalite, Diesel, and non-subsidized Pertamax, effective Saturday, 03 September 2022.

The fuel-price increase was announced by President Joko Widodo in a press conference on Saturday at the Presidential Palace.

As quoted by Kompas.com, President Joko Widodo said: “The Government has taken a decision in a difficult situation. This was the Government’s last choice to re-channel fuel subsidies that will result in the adjustment of fuel prices.”

The new fuel prices will take effect from 3:30 pm Jakarta time on Saturday, 03 September 2022.

The Presidential Press Conference included the attendance of The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Arifin Tasrif, who announced Pertamina’s new price levels effective 03 September 2022:

PERTALITE Increased from Rp. 7,650 per liter to Rp. 10,000 per liter.

DIESEL (SOLAR): Increased from Rp. 5,150 per liter to Rp. 6,800 per liter

PERTAMAX: Increased from Rp. 12,500 per liter to Rp. 14,500 per liter.

While the new prices of Pertalite and Solar will be uniform for all areas of Indonesia, the price for Pertamax will vary across the country’s many regions. (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

Bali Prices

In Bali, Fuel Prices in Bali effective 03 September are as follows:

PERTALITE: Increased from Rp. 7,650 per liter to Rp. 10,000 per liter.

DIESEL (SOLAR): Increased from Rp. 5,150 per liter to Rp. 6,800 per liter

PERTAMAX: Increased from Rp. 12,500 per liter to Rp. 14,500 per liter.

  • Pertamax Turbo Rp. 15,900 per liter
  • Dexlite Rp. 17,100 per liter
  • Pertalite Dex Rp. 17,400 per liter

High Cost of Air Travel

Although the number of flights operating between Jakarta and Singapore continues to expand, demand still exceeds supply, resulting in air ticket prices that are very expensive, sometimes four times the price levels that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Air TravelQuoted by Beritasatu.com, Suryopratomo, the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, speaking during an interview with Investor Daily, said: “In the past, the round-trip ticket price Singapore-Jakarta on a low-cost airline was only SIN $200 (around Rp. 2.1 million), now that price has increased to SIN $600-$800. In the past, this was very cheap, and now it is much more expensive.”

After the pandemic had abated, said the Ambassador, the number of passengers flying Jakarta-Singapore increased extraordinarily. “I think 100,000 can fly between Singapore and Jakarta in a single month,” said Suryapratomo. (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

The Ambassador suggests supply of aircraft seats far exceed current demand, with demand held down by high prices.

The Ambassador continued, explaining that Singapore Airlines flights have now increased to five times and recently increased from four times each day. However, this number has yet to reach half of the flights between the two cities before the COVID-19 pandemic, when Singapore Airlines flew 13 flights each day. (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

Meanwhile, Garuda Indonesia, flying during the post-pandemic period only once daily, has increased its flight schedule to 11 times each week, leaving four days on which there are two flights each day. 

Turning his focus to Bali, the Ambassador said Garuda had recommenced flights from Singapore to Denpasar 3 or 4 times per week, while Singapore Airlines flies twice daily.

Elaborating further, the Ambassador said Batik Air flies twice daily. The lower number of flights reflects demand held back by high ticket prices in the post-pandemic era. (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

Foreign Arrivals to Bali on a Steady Rise

bali tourismThe total number of foreign visitors to Indonesia in July 2022 reached 476,970. According to the Indonesian Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, this is the highest number recorded since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking on Tuesday, 06 September 2022, Minister Sandiaga said foreign visitors to Indonesia are dominated by five source countries: Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, India, and the U.S.A. Australia – the largest source of Indonesian visitors – represents nearly 40% of foreign visitors. (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

On a cumulative basis, from January until July 2022, foreign visitors totaled 1.2 million people, 15 times more than the same period in 2021.

The Tourism Minister says the significant increase in foreign visitors to Indonesia is fundamentally fueled by travelers using visa-on-arrival to Bali. 

Foreign visitors to Bali in July 2022 totaled 246,504. Adding: “This represents the highest number of arrivals since the pandemic with daily arrivals in the thousands. These visitors are entering Indonesia via Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport. (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

Addressing Visa-on-Arrival (VoA), Sandiaga said 75 countries are now eligible to receive VoA with the recent addition of the Maldives, Monaco, and Columbia.

Citizens of ASEAN Nations are eligible for a visa-free visit to Indonesia. These nations include the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

199-mtr Glass Bridge Opens in Blahbatuh

Beritabali.com reports that the Balinese Regency of Gianyar is preparing to open Bali’s first glass bridge in the Village of Saba, Blahbatuh District, in September.

bali glass bridgeFrequently unsettling to the uninitiated, guests can walk the elevated 199-meter distance between Banjar Blansinga to Banjar Tegenungan in the Sukawati District. The resulting feeling for the brave heart is not unlike walking on thin air.

A leading villager of Blangsinga, I Nyoman Artawa Putra, also on the expert staff of the Regent of Gianyar, confirmed the bridge is scheduled to open in September 2022. The bridge was constructed under the supervision of a Chinese company that has built similar glass bridges worldwide. (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

The contractor boasts that the finished bridge can bear loads of pedestrians up to a maximum weight of 40 tons. Putra said that once the bridge is open to the public, authorities will strictly control the number of people allowed to cross the bridge at any time. Putra added, “The number of people that can walk across the bridge simultaneously is around 250. The bridge will be very safe.”

Village officials and the Gianyar Regency have prepared supporting facilities for the new glass bridge, including parking lots and widening access roads to the ridge planned for 2023.

Putra said that in 2023 the surrounding roads would be taken over by the Regency and widened by an additional one meter to permit bus travel.  (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

The bridge’s construction is now complete but is not yet open to the public. Still to be finished is a gateway and ticket booth for the bridge that will span the Petanu River. Those using the bridge will enjoy views of the river below and the adjacent Tegenungan Waterfall.

China Airlines Flies Taiwan-Bali 2 x Weekly

China Airlines flying from Taiwan has returned to Bali with the landing of Flight Number CAL 771 at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport on Friday, 02 September 2022, at 3:06 pm.

Bali Taiwan flightsThe flight was operated on an Airbus A333 aircraft configured to carry 307 passengers. Welcomed with a water canon salute, the inaugural flight carried only 163 passengers, comprised of 136 economy class and 26 business class travelers. The flight from Taipei to Bali took 5 hours and 30 minutes to complete.  (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

The return flight to Taipei (CAL 772) departed at 4:07 pm with 84 passengers on board.

China Airline’s flight is the 22nd international airline operating to Bali. 

The manager of Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport, Handy Heryudhitiawan, told BeritaBali.com that China Airlines plans to operate twice each week on Tuesday and Friday initially. 

In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 1,196,497 Chinese Travelers (including mainland PRC) visited Bali, followed by 1,137,087 Australians, and 377,543 Indian nationals. (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

Before COVID-19, eight airlines operated 20 flight routes from Mainland China and Taipei. 

From January to August 2022, 1,860,842 international passengers across 10,647 air movements traveled to and from Bali’s Airport. (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

Putin Plans to Visit Bali in November

putin g20 baliThe State News Agency Antara quotes the Russian Federation’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Lyudmila Vorobieva, saying the Jakarta Embassy is preparing for Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Bali in November 2022 to attend the G20 Conference.

Ambassador Vorobieva’s comments were made during a press in Jakarta on Wednesday, 07 September 2022.

Confirming that President Putin has received a formal invitation from Indonesia to attend the G20 Summit, Vorobieva said, “The Russian Embassy in Jakarta has begun preparing for the arrival of Putin in Bali. On the Indonesian side, President Jokowi has already sent an invitation to President Putin. That invitation was received with great gratitude.” (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

Vorobieva explained that Putin intends to participate in the G20 Summit directly. Adding that the Russian President’s attendance continues to depend on developments in several areas, including the military operation in Ukraine, the future situation with COVID-19, and the overall security situation.

Vorobieva restated Russia’s continued support of the priorities set by Indonesia’s Presidency of the G20 Summit and continues to participate in various G20 programs conducted by Indonesia. Adding: “We fully support Indonesia’s Presidency of the G20 and greatly appreciate the position of the President and the Government of Indonesia.” (Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)

She said Russia is preparing to send two musicians to attend and perform at the G20 on 12 September 2022.

Russia is also ready to attend an October G20 Parliamentary Meeting in Jakarta.

 

Want to know about our Dolphin Assisted Therapy Center at Bali Exotic Marine Park?

(Main Article: Immigration Indonesia Reformation)
Read more
New Bali Theme Park
General Bali News7 August 2022

New Bali Theme Park by Paramount Picture

New Bali Theme Park by Paramount Picture

New Bali Theme Park The creation of the Paramount Theme Park in Bali made significant progress on Tuesday, 26 July 2020, with the signing of a development (construction) agreement between PT Kios Ria Kreasi and Paramount Pictures (USA) in an online ceremony.

The signing was supplemental to an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two companies.

(Main Article: North Bali Airport Plans) As reported by NusaBali.com and Kompas.com, the online signing of the agreement is needed to commence project construction.

The event was attended by representatives of the two companies and witnessed by the Regent of Jembrana, I Nengah Tamba; the Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno; and the Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster.

Regent Tamba told the press: “Today is a historic date for the Regency of Jembrana. On this day, in Los Angeles, USA, a signing took the place of an agreement between PT Kio Ria Kreasi and Paramount Pictures.”

The Regent of Jembrana, I Nengah Tamba (left), accompanied by the Regency Secretary, I Made Budiasa, participating in the online signing ceremony between PT Kios Ria Kreasi and Paramount Pictures for New Bali Theme Park.

Tamba continued, saying the signing affirmed that we will now achieve Jembrana’s desire to become home to an international-standard entertainment attraction with the construction of the Paramount Theme Park Bali.

New Bali Theme Park(Main Article: New Bali Theme Park ) When completed, Tamba said the Paramount Theme Park Bali would become the largest theme park in Southeast Asia, a magnet for international tourists to Jembrana. He added that this significant development in the tourism sector would enhance the Jembrana region’s economy.

Tamba said: “God willing, we continue to pray (for success). We welcome this project because it will bring extraordinary change to the income, progress, and performance of the Regency of Jembrana.

Buleleng North Bali Airport plans opposed by village community

(Main Article: New Bali Theme Park by Paramount Picture)
Buleleng North Bali AirportBeritabali.com reports that the chairman of the Special Planning Commission for the Provincial Zoning in Bali (RTRW-Bali), Anak Agung Ngurah Adhi Ardhana, announced that, after years of debate, the Village of Sumberklampok, in the Gerokgak District of Buleleng Regency has been selected as the location for a Buleleng North Bali Airport.

The location for the proposed new airport mow forms a part of the Provincial Zoning and Development Plan for Bali for the period 2022-2042. New Bali Theme Park

Bali Governor Wayan Koster confirmed the Sumberklampok location based on a letter from the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning and the National Land Agency (BPN) sent on 15 January 2022 (Nomor PF.01/ 08-200/ I/ 2021 tanggal 15 Januari 2021).

The chairman of the special commission appointed to create a 20-year zoning plan, Adhi Ardhana, reminded that the final confirmation of the location for the north Bali airport remains in the sole authority of the Ministry of Transportation.

The final go-ahead in the construction and location of a major airport in North Bali remains bogged down by numerous regulations and inter-agency disputes.

Buleleng North Bali Airport On 28 April 2022, a letter from the National Secretariat (B.0203/Seskab/Ekon/04/2022) was sent to Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster that contained an attachment containing specific guidance from President Joko Widodo.

Calling for work on an airport in northeast Bali (Kubutambahan) be halted because the airport location has now been shifted to a new location in northwest Bali.

This was preceded by a letter (PB.01/ 369-II-200/ VIII/ 2021) sent on 04 August 2021 from the Minister of Agrarian Affairs and the head of the National Land Agency (BTN) to Governor Koster recommending specific changes in the Provincial Zoning and Spatial Plan (RTRW – Bali).

Ardhana also explains that the relocation of the proposed airport must also contemplate issues related to the conservation of a protected National Forest. Ardhana confirmed that a letter (Nomor S.127/ PKTL/KUH/PLA.2/ 2/ 2021) was sent on 08 February 2021 from the Director-General of Forestry Planning from the Ministry of the Environment and Forestry (KLHK) addressing issues related to the infringement of the new airport on the National Park.

Ardhana, quoted by Detik.com, explained: “Because the land sought for the North Bali Airport is dry and non-productive. Thus, regarding environmental impact and other factors, the area’s zoning is still under review.”

Community Opposition to New Airport Location

(Main Article: New Bali Theme Park by Paramount Picture)
Buleleng Regency community members have formed a group called the Forum for North Bali Progress (Fobatama) is voicing its adamant opposition to plans to build the airport in Sumberklampok.

Fobatama, with members drawn from diverse sectors of the community, is suggesting that “certain parties” meddled in the selection of the new location for the airport in their community,

Antonius Sanjaya, a member of Fobatama, warns that if officials force the construction of the new airport in Sumberklampok, they will face various obstacles.

In addition to the natural limitations of the proposed location, there are also problems caused by the infringement by the airport on segments of the West Bali National Park (TNBB) and the Park’s central role in the conservation of the endangered Bali Starling population.

“We reject plans to move the planned North Bali Airport and the revision of Provincial Regulation Number 3 of 2020 governing the relocation of the proposed air gateway from the Village of Kubutambahan to Sumberklampok.

We are firm in rejecting the proposed location, which is not following the Presidential Decree on developing national strategic projects,” Anton said on 20 July 2022.

Anton Sanjaya also serves as the chairman of the executive board of the non-governmental organization Gema Nusantara, warns that relocating the airport to Sumberklampok violates the law.

The location of the new airport at Sumberklampok is only 40 km from the Belimbing International Airport in Banyuwangi, East Java.

Blaze on Gili Trawangan

(Main Article: New Bali Theme Park by Paramount Picture)
lombok gili trawanganA massive fire on Saturday night, 30 July 2022, damaged 94 buildings on Gili Trawangan, leveling at least 49 tourist villas.

Gili Trawangan, the largest in a group of three small offshore islands situated northwest of Lombok, measures some 3 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide and is home to a population of approximately 800 residents comprised of island residents and tourists.

Gili Trawangan is a popular island party destination supported by an extensive collection of beach side restaurants, bars, and hotels. The island has a “no vehicle policy,” with transportation provided via rented bicycles and local horse carriages (cidomo). New Bali Theme Park

(Article: New Bali Theme Park) Saturday night’s fire began shortly after sunset at 6:30 pm at the Hotel Jambuluwuk, spreading quickly to the nearby Eden Homestay.

The fire made quick work of many buildings primarily constructed of wood, thatched roofs, bamboo, and other natural materials.

Guests were safely evacuation, and no injuries have been reported. Because the island has no formal fire department, residents formed makeshift fire brigades using buckets filled with water, fire extinguishers, and scooped water from swimming pools.

Beritabali.com reports that police continue to investigate the incident. 

Bio Security Controls for Bali Travelers from OZ

(Main Article: New Bali Theme Park by Paramount Picture)
bali security controlsThe Australian federal government is urgently introducing strict new biosecurity precautions at Australian airports to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) from Indonesia, which is experiencing an outbreak across a wide geographical area.

As reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), “bio security response zones” are being introduced at Australia’s international airports where every traveler arriving from Indonesia must use specially-designed foot mats and undertake bio security measures that include the thorough disinfection of footwear and clothing.

These measures represent a sterner upgrade from the recent past, where travelers from Indonesia were asked to voluntarily submit to using foot mats and momentarily surrender their shoes for cleaning.

The new measures at the Australian airports are mandatory for a three-month trial period and only apply to travelers arriving from Indonesia. The force of law for these measures is mandated under Australia’s 2015 Bio security Act. New Bali Theme Park

(Article: New Bali Theme Park) Australia’s Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Wyatt is defending the new and strongest bio security measures in Australia’s history as necessary to protect the public and animal health.

Viral traces of FMD have been identified in Australia.

bali bio security controlsSenator Wyatt told the ABC: “We have already announced a $14 million assistance package to reduce the risk of FMD spreading from Bali to Australia, which includes increased detection and protection here in Australia and a million vaccines for the Indonesian cattle industry.”

Adding: “I also announced the deployment of sanitation foot mats at all international airports as an additional layer of protection for returning travelers from Indonesia.”

The mats are now being urgently introduced at airports nationwide in Australia.

The worsening crisis of FMD has precipitated demands from opposition members, including National Party legislator David Littleproud, to close the borders between Indonesia and Australia. Littleproud is a former Australian Agriculture Minister.

(Main Article: Buleleng North Bali Airport) The ruling party in Australia and the National Farmers Federation have dismissed any proposal to close the borders between the two countries. The president of the National Farmers Federation, Fiona Simson, says, “Our members do not support the closing of borders. It would put at risk a trade that is very valuable.”

While viral traces of FMD have been identified in meat products in Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia remains FMD-free.

Fiona Simson warns: “If even one case was to emerge in Australia, farmers would be faced with heart-wrenching decisions around the extermination, culling, and euthanizing of livestock to stop the spread of the disease. “It would shut the export markets immediately — so our meat, our wool, our cheese, our dairy products — they would all be halted immediately,” she said.

Adding: “We cannot allow this to happen.” Australian officials assure that Australian meat and dairy products remain safe to consume.

Sanur Beach: A Special Economic Zone

(Main Article: New Bali Theme Park by Paramount Picture)
Sanur Beach A Special Economic ZoneThe long-standing proposal that the Sanur Beach area of Bali become a Special Economic Zone (KEK) has received the agreement of the National KEK Council chaired by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy. Airlangga Hartanto, at a meeting of the Council held on Friday, 22 July 2022.

It is now expected that the National KEK Council will recommend to the Indonesian President that government regulations be promulgated to support a Special Economic Zone status for Sanur Beach. (Article: New Bali Theme Park)

(Main Article: New Bali Theme Park) Quoted by Balipost.com, Minister Airlangga said in a written statement, “With this (recommendation), the National KEK Council agrees with the proposal to create a special economic zone in Sanur and (the government) will soon finalize this fact in a Government Regulation embracing a KEK Sanur.”

Establishing a special economic zone in Sanur, Bali will be home to Indonesia’s first integrated medical health facility.

Airlangga said he hoped this development would save Indonesia’s foreign exchange while enhancing the national economy by transferring knowledge and technology from establishing a world-class medical campus in Sanur.

Sanur Beach A Special Economic ZoneAirlangga said that creating a Special Economic Zone in Sanur will create a demand for human resources and stimulate new investment.

By 2030, the Minister hopes that the segment of between 4% to 8% of the Indonesian public, representing between 123,000 to 240,000 people now seeking medical treatment overseas, will be able to seek medical care in Sanur.

Projected through 2045, the total foreign exchange savings will equal Rp. 86 trillion and generate 19.6 trillion in additional foreign exchange for the National Economy.

(Main Article: North Bali Airport Plans) The special economic zone established in Sanur will showcase medical and tourism projects, including hospitals, clinics, hotel accommodation, an ethno -medicinal botanical garden, MICE facilities (meeting, incentive, conference, and exhibition), and a commercial center. The total land area projected for the KEK Sanur is 41.26 hectares, with investments worth Rp. 10.2 trillion.

43,647 jobs are expected to be created by the Special Economic Zone.

Sanur Beach A Special Economic ZoneAt the center of the Sanur Special Economic Zone is the Bali International Hospital, now being built in Sanur in cooperation with the prestigious USA Mayo Clinic.

The Indonesian government seeks to stimulate national economic development by establishing special zones themed in various sectors, including digital enterprises, maintenance-repair-and-overhaul (MRO), education, and health.

Indonesia Remains Free of Monkey Pox

(Main Article: New Bali Theme Park by Paramount Picture)
Indonesia Free of Monkey PoxOn Saturday, 23 July 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the monkey pox epidemic a global medical emergency.

The Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has described the spread of monkey pox to more than 70 countries as an extraordinary situation qualifying as a global emergency.

In an unprecedented move, the WHO has declared a global emergency to sound an alarm and help coordinate an international response and make available funding for vaccines and care protocols to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Bali Free of Monkey Pox(Main Article: New Bali Theme Park by Paramount Picture) The WHO reports that monkey pox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted from animals to humans).

Contagion comes from close contact with an infected animal or human being through lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials, such as bedding.

With a fatality rate of 3-6%, monkey pox is self-limiting, with symptoms usually lasting for 2-4 weeks. Symptoms resemble smallpox – a disease eradicated globally in 1980, presenting clinically with fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. New Bali Theme Park

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Mohammad Syahril, announced on Sunday, 24 July 2022, that there had been no confirmed cases of monkey pox in Indonesia.

Syahril said that the Government is vigilantly following developments with the global outbreak of monkey pox to prepare a national response to prevent the spread of the disease to Indonesia.

Adding: “At airports, seaports, and land borders – we are on alert towards humans and animals that can cause the spread of monkey pox.”

 

Want to know more about our Dolphin Assisted Therapy Center at Bali Exotic Marine Park and what we do?

Check out our Dolphin Interaction Programs!

Main Article: New Bali Theme Park by Paramount Picture)
Read more
Bali Tourist Entry Visa
General Bali News24 May 2022

Bali Tourist Entry Visa Clarified for 2022

Bali Tourist Entry Visa Clarified for 2022

Bali Tourist Entry VisaThe Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a circular memorandum (SE/005/PK.04/2022/64) on 28 April 2022, addressed to all foreign legations of the Republic worldwide, detailing visa entry requirements.

The salient points of the memo follow.

 

 

Citizens of the following nine ASEAN member countries are traveling for “leisure purposes” are allowed to travel visa-free:

  1. Brunei Darussalam
  2. Philippines
  3. Cambodia
  4. Laos
  5. Malaysia
  6. Myanmar
  7. Singapore
  8. Thailand
  9. Vietnam

Bali Tourist Entry Visa – Citizens of the following 60 countries and administrative regions are entitled to receive a “Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purposes” after paying a visa fee of Rp. 500,000 (US$35):

  1. South Africa
  2. United States of America
  3. Saudi Arabia
  4. Argentina
  5. Australia
  6. Austria
  7. Netherlands
  8. Belgium
  9. Brazil
  10. Brunei Darussalam
  11. Bulgaria
  12. Czech Republic
  13. Denmark
  14. Estonia
  15. Philippines
  16. Finland
  17. Hong Kong
  18. Hungary
  19. India
  20. United Kingdom
  21. Ireland
  22. Italy
  23. Japan
  24. Germany
  25. Cambodia
  26. Canada
  27. Republic of Korea
  28. Croatia
  29. Laos
  30. Latvia
  31. Lithuania
  32. Luxembourg
  33. Malaysia
  34. Malta
  35. Mexico
  36. Myanmar
  37. Norway
  38. France
  39. Poland
  40. Portugal
  41. Qatar
  42. Romania
  43. New Zealand
  44. Seychelles
  45. Singapore
  46. Cyprus
  47. Slovakia
  48. Slovenia
  49. Spain
  50. Sweden
  51. Switzerland
  52. Chinese Taipei
  53. Thailand
  54. Timor-Leste
  55. People’s Republic of China
  56. Tunisia
  57. Turkey
  58. United Arab Emirates
  59. Vietnam
  60. Greece

Bali Tourist Entry Visa – Visit Visa Exemptions or Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purposes are granted for foreign nationals are available at the following Immigration Checkpoints:

  1. AIRPORTS:
    1. Soekarno Hatta, Banten/Jakarta
    2. Ngurah Rai, Bali
    3. Kualanamu, North Sumatra
    4. Juanda, Surabaya, East Java
    5. Sultan Hasanuddin, Makassar, South Sulawesi
    6. Sam Ratulangi, Manado, North Sulawesi
    7. Yogyakarta, Special Administrative District of Yogyakarta
    8. Hang Nadim, Riau Islands
    9. Zainuddin Abdul Majid, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara
  2. SEAPORTS
    1. Nongsa Terminal Bahari, Riau Islands
    2. Batam Center, Riau Islands
    3. Sekupang, Riau Islands
    4. Citra Tri Tunas, Riau Islands
    5. Marina Teluk Senimba, Riau Islands
    6. Bandar Bentan Telani Lagoi, Riau Islands
    7. Bandar Seri Utama Lobam, Riau Islands
    8. Sri Bintan Pura, Riau Islands
    9. Tanjung Balai Karimun, Riau Islands
  3. CROSS-BORDER POSTS:
    1. Aruk, West Kalimantan
    2. Entikong, West Kalimantan
    3. Mota’ain, East Nusa Tenggara
    4. Turon Taka, North Kalimantan

 Bali Tourist Entry VISA REQUIREMENTS

Visit Visa Exemptions or Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purposes can be issued following the following requirements;

  1. A diplomatic/official/ordinary passport valid for at least 6 months.
  2. A return ticket or passing ticket for continuing travel to another country.
  3. Proof of payment for Visa on Arrival of Rp. 500,000 when applying for a Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purpose
  4. Proof of insurance coverage from an insurance company incorporated as a legal entity in Indonesia that covers health costs during the traveler’s stay in Indonesia.

ENTRY STAMP

Bali Tourist Entry VisaThe entry stamp given to foreign travelers when entering Indonesia utilizing a Visit Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purposes  will serve as a Visit Stay Permit that is valid for:

  1. Visit Visa Exemption: Valid for a maximum of 30 days and non-extendible.
  2. Visa on Arrival: Valid for a maximum of 30 days and extendable for an additional 30 days at the Immigration Office in the area where the foreign national resides.

Visit Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purposes can also be granted to foreign nationals on an official visit or governmental duties to attend international events. This exemption requires presenting an invitation letter issued by the Indonesian government to attend an international conference/trial/meeting.

The facilitation of a Visit Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrivals for Leisure Purpose stipulated above applies to holders of diplomatic passports, service passports, service passports, or ordinary/regular passports.

 

 

 Bali Tourist Entry Visa – Indonesia Unmasks, Gradually

bali mask regulationsIndonesia President Joko Widodo has announced that his government is relaxing the rules and guidelines of wearing medical masks in open areas, saying that the COVID-19 pandemic is now under control.

As quoted on NusaBali.com, President Widod said: “In light of current conditions, COVID-19 in Indonesia is increasingly under control. The government has decided to relax rules on the use of face masks.” The President’s remarks were made at the Bogor Palace in West Java on Tuesday, 17 May 2022, and uploaded to the National Secretariat YouTube Channel.

The relaxation of the masking rules applies only in open areas and does not apply to enclosed spaces or for people traveling on public transportation.

Elaborating, the Indonesian President said, “If the public is involved in activities in uncrowded outside areas, they can choose not to wear a mask. However, for activities in enclosed rooms and on public transportation, a face mask is still required.”

For members of the public at risk, senior citizens, or those suffering from comorbidities, the President recommends that masks be worn during all activities. (Bali Tourist Entry Visa)

“Similarly, members of the public experiencing symptoms of coughs and colds should wear a mask when undertaking activities,” added the President.

The President also said that domestic and international travelers who have received complete vaccinations (against COVID-19) no longer need to undergo PCR or Rapid Antigen testing.

On 16 May 2022, the National COVID-19 Task Force said that Indonesia added 182 new cases bringing the cumulative total to 6.050,958 cases. Meanwhile, the number of active COVID-19 cases in Indonesia on 16 May 2022 stood at 4,697.

Also, on 16 May, 263 people in Indonesia were declared cured of COVID-19 or 5.889.797 on a cumulative basis since March 2020. Fatalities linked to COVID-19 on 16 May 2022 equaled six deaths nationally, representing part of a cumulative total of 154,646 deaths caused by the virus in Indonesia since March 2022.

In terms of injections, Indonesia calculates it has given:

  • The first dosage against COVID-19 to 199.625,406 people.
  • The second dosage against COVID-19 to 165,273,179 people.
  • The third dosage against COVID-19 to 42,709,756 people

 

 Bali Tourist Entry Visa – Tourist Arrivals Reclaim Lost Ground

bali tourist arrivalsThe Nation Statistics Board (BPS) reports that international visitors coming to Indonesia via the Country’s main gateways in March 2020 reached 40,790, representing a 206.25% increase compared to March 2021.

Quoted by NusaBali.com, the BPS Chief Margo Yuwono told a press conference in Jakarta on Monday, 16 May 2022: “The number of foreign tourists in March 2022 increased significantly compared with March 2021. If March 2022 is compared to February, the increase was 121.02%

March international arrivals comprised 39,060 arrivals by air, 1,409 by sea, and overland 319. In March 2022, the number of air arrivals increased 203.94% compared to March 2021.

In Bali, observers say an even more dramatic increase in foreign arrivals is being curtailed somewhat by the rising cost of air travel and limited flight frequency. Based on the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board (GIPI) calculations, Bali has 12,000 – 15,000 visitors arriving each day by inter-island ferry. The number of air passengers landing each day at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport is around 10,000 passengers. (Bali Tourist Entry Visa)

The large number of domestic visitors bringing their vehicles to Bali during the recent Idul Fitri Holidays resulted in almost unprecedented traffic jams in many parts of the Island. This has evoked a recommendation from a senior official at GIPI that domestic tourists who rent vehicles in Bali would help reduce traffic congestion and provide added income to the Island’s economy.

For Q1 of 2022 (January-March), foreign arrivals via Indonesia’s main gateways totaled 74,380 – an increase of 228.24% over Q1 2021. While the year-on-year increase in international arrivals in Q1 in Indonesia is impressive, the numbers still pale compared to arrivals for Q1 in the pre-COVID years when as many as 3 million visitors came to the Country.

 

Bali Tourist Entry Visa – You Can Run But Not Hide from Immigration

Russian Woman Deported for Nude Antics at a Balinese Temple.

Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster wasted no time in asking the Bali office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights to deport a 28-year-old Russian woman, Alina Fazleeva, and her 36-year-old husband Amdrei Fazleeva after the woman tourist uploaded nude images of herself modeling in front an ancient tree at the Babakan Temple, in Banjar Bayan, Desa Tua in Marga Tabanan Regency.

bali russian deportedAuthorities quickly tracked the couple down following their posting of the nude images. They subsequently apologized and were forgiven by the surrounding villagers – their contrition did little to assuage the Governor’s outrage, who summoned the Russian couple, law enforcement, immigration officials, and the press to his official residence on Friday, 06 May 2022, for a press conference and public shaming.

Speaking before the assembly, the Governor emphasized that tourism in Bali operates on the basis of safeguarding local culture and presently a quality product. These guideposts for conserving and protecting Bali’s culture are enshrined in Regional Law Perda Nomor 5 Tahun 2020 on standards for conducting cultural tourism and Bali Gubernatorial Law Nomor 28 Tahun 2020 on the management of Bali tourism.

“Bali tourism must be truly honored Bali traditions and culture by everyone, including both domestic and international tourists,” proclaimed Governor Koster. Continuing, the Governor said tourism in the new “post-pandemic era” must be transacted with “Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali,” – which respects local culture based on quality and dignity. Koster exclaimed that Bali has no tolerance for tourists who commit acts that dishonor and insult Balinese culture. Adding, “We prioritize protecting culture and honoring the dignity of Bali instead of tolerating acts that fail to safeguard the Island and damage the image of Bali tourism.”

The mantra of “Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali” also seeks to preserve the purity and natural harmony of nature in Bali. (Bali Tourist Entry Visa)

With the Russian perpetrators of the moral outrage sitting nearby, Koster told those in attendance that Bali presents an international tourism product that must be protected, ensuring it remains orderly and disciplined. He complained that Bali had recently suffered many unethical acts committed by visitors. These include tourists who have bathed at sacred water sources, others who have sat atop Padmansanas (temple), others who have sat irreverently in holy places, and, most recently, a woman who posed nude below a sacred tree. According to the Governor, such actions are humiliating and cannot be tolerated.

“Because of this, I have ordered the head of the Law and Human Rights office in Bali to deport the Russian tourist quickly. This incident must become an object lesson for tourist visitors. Please feel free to visit, but the culture of Bali must be safeguarded, the image of Bali’s tourism honored, and the people of Indonesia and their culture revered. For these reasons, I must take firm action, so such an incident does not reoccur in the future and (my actions) become a lesson for other tourists,” said Governor Koster.

Governor Koster acknowledged that while the Russian woman had apologized for her actions and was prepared to participate in a guru piduka purification ceremony, this alone would not rectify what she had done.  (Bali Tourist Entry Visa)

“Even though (she) has apologized. It is not enough to merely apologize and participate in a ceremony, and the further sanction of deportation must also be imposed. Because we strive to protect Bali’s cultural purity, a joint and firm response is needed,” said Koster.

Meanwhile, the head of the Law and Human Rights Ministry for the Province of Bali, Jamaruli Manihuruk, said that his department was coordinating the deportation with the Russian Embassy. The Russian couple has been detained by Immigration while awaiting a flight suitable for deportation purposes.

(Bali Tourist Entry Visa) The head of Immigration in Denpasar confirmed that the Russians were deported on Friday, 06 May 2022, for their activities deemed to break the law and disrupt public order (Section 75 of Immigration Law Number 6 of 2011). Manihuruk issued a stern warning: “To all foreigners visiting Bali (are reminded to) always act in an orderly fashion and obey the law and the cultural values of the Balinese people. Please enjoy the beauty of Bali, but if you break the rules, there will be nowhere you can hide, and every violation will be prosecuted following the prevailing law.”

The couple has also been placed on a blacklist preventing their return to Indonesia for at least one year.

The local and national press published news of Russian Alina Fazleeva uploading nude pictures posing under a sacred 700-year-old eucalyptus tree standing in the foreyard of the Babakan Temple in Tabanan Regency on 01 May 2022.

Alina Fazleeva and her husband Amdrei first came to Indonesia in 2020 and again in 2021 as investors to establish PT Art Planet Evolution – a company selling clothing and musical instruments.

Article: Bali Tourist Entry Visa

Want to know about our dolphin assisted therapy program?

Read more
Find out more about our dolphins and their daily live...