Indonesia Adultery Law

Indonesia Adultery Law: What You Need to Know

Indonesia Adultery LawThe recent ratification of a new law – the KUHP on adultery and extramarital sex has generated widespread international press comments, much of it exaggerated and misrepresenting the true nature of Indonesia’s criminal justice system.

Here’s what you Need to Know and Understand About Indonesia’s new anti-adultery law. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

  • KUHP 412 is primarily a family protection act to safeguard existing legal unions between husbands and wives. It creates a new legal tool for a man or woman to take criminal action against an unfaithful spouse to preserve and reaffirm their marriage vows.
  • It is a law created explicitly by lawmakers to provide a legal remedy exercised within the limits of the family unit to protect the sanctity of a marital union.
  • Under the new law, enforcement action CAN ONLY BE TAKEN by the police after a formal police complaint is lodged by an immediate family member of one of the parties accused of participating in an illicit sexual relationship. This means that the person making the criminal complaint under the law must be the legal spouse (i.e., husband or wife), mother, father, or child of the accused.
  • The new law is intended to help limit or end extramarital unions through corrective rather than legally punitive measures. Accordingly, the party making the complaint is entitled to withdraw their complaint and end all proceedings at any time before trial.
  • The law’s structure prevents its use against foreign couples traveling in Bali and the rest of Indonesia. There is no practicable or readily available way for immediate family members residing abroad to file a police complaint concerning their family member, presumably engaged in an illicit sexual union in Indonesia.
  • Indonesian leaders know the varying international cultural and legal perceptions of marriage. No plans or legal basis exist under the new law for changing how foreign or domestic guests will be handled while staying at Indonesian hotels. As in the past, hotels will continue to welcome and check in adult guests without requiring the presentation of marriage certificates. 
  • In the future, if police action is ever taken against domestic travelers under the new law, this can only happen in three years’ time once the law is formally promulgated. And, even in that instance, police could only move in response to a formal complaint from an immediate family member of the accused. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)
  • Those asking why the new law has been introduced should understand its passage is seen in many circles as deference to the cultural sensitivities of several segments of Indonesian society. At the same time, the law is purposely structured to have a very narrow applicability that would have no discernable impact on domestic or international travel movements and patterns. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Ain’t Nobody’s Business if I Do!

Indonesia Adultery LawA storm of controversy has erupted following the legal endorsement of a new section in the criminal law addressing adultery and sex, with members of the Indonesian House of Representatives accusing Australians and other foreigners of failing to understand the new law. In fairness, based on reports in local media, more than a few Indonesiannedia sources are also confused by recent events. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Article 412, paragraph 1 of the new law states: “Anyone living together as husband and wife outside of marriage shall be punished with imprisonment for a maximum of 6 (six) months or a fine.”

Many members of the international media are focusing on Indonesia’s ratification of the law that criminalizes sex outside of marriage. One source, BBC.com, has published coverage under the title “Indonesia Passes Criminal Code Banning Sex Outside Marriage,” emphasizing an alleged criminalization of non-marital sex. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Similarly, The New York Times has written an article titled “In Democratic Indonesia. New Penal Code erodes Long-Held Freedoms.”

Meanwhile, Indonesian press and social media outlets are decrying the new law as overreaching and an outright interference in the private rights of the individual. In response, Indonesian lawmakers accuse the press of misinterpreting and twisting the intent and purpose of the new law. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Speaking from Jeddah on Wednesday, 07 December 2022, the Indonesian Minister of Law and Human Rights, Yasonna Laoly, said: “What is developing is a misperception, especially from outside. For example, regarding extramarital sex, It seems that the twist is going too far. I have to underline that extramarital sex (in this instance) is a complaint-based offense.”

By “complaint offense,” the Minister meant the police can only action charges of adulterous behavior if an immediate family member initially files a formal police complaint. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Yasonna explained that no one would be arrested for adultery or extramarital sex without a police complaint filed by a family member. The cabinet minister accused those depicting the new law as interference in personal privacy of overreaching. 

He is asking that foreign visitors not be worried about the new anti-adultery law that can only apply if a family member makes a police complaint. Adding: “There has to be a complaint made.

If an Australian wants to holiday in Bali with a partner or stay in the same room or whatever, that’s their business. This would require a formal complaint from the parents in Australia which is not their culture,”

In addition to Yasonna, the head of the House of Representatives (DPR), Sufmi Dasci Ahmad, has tried to defuse the controversy surrounding the new law, emphasizing the law is grounded in the need for someone to make a formal police complaint. Ahmad said the DPR would soon create a task force to socialize the new law to the public. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Govt Ditches High Entrance Fees to Komodo

komodo entrance feeThe Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, has announced that plans have been revoked to increase the admission fee to visit Indonesia’s Taman National Komodo. 

Precipitating widespread protest, plans were announced earlier this year to increase the individual admission fee to Rp. 3.75 million on 01 January 2022. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Speaking in Jakarta on Thursday, 15 December 2022, Minister Sandiaga said: “It (The High admission fee) has been withdrawn and revoked. So there will be no increase in the entrance tariff for Komodo.”

The Minister did not elaborate on the decision to revoke the higher admission fees long championed by Minister Luhut Bismar Panjaitam, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment. In July 2022, the Provincial Government of East Nusa Tenggara announced the new admission fee for the Komodo National Park would increase to become Rp. 3.75 million. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

That announcement sparked demonstrations in Labuan Bajo, NTT, which serves as the gateway to The Komodo National Park. Local businesses threatened to strike, causing the NTT Provincial government to postpone the substantial hike in admission fees until 01 January 2023.

Based on the Minister of Tourism’s most recent announcement, the admission cost will remain at Rp. 150,000 per visitor. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Local tourism operators are complaining about the contradictory announcements. The eventual reversal of the unpopular policy will do little or nothing to recoup hundreds of canceled bookings and momentum in group interest in traveling to Komodo. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Criminal Liability for RI Bar Operators

bali bar operatorsA new article (424) in Indonesia’s revised criminal code (KUHP) should give pause to bar and nightclub operators.

Under the new law, bartenders and service staff – and by extension, their employers – can be held criminally responsible for serving drinks to customers who are intoxicated and should have been refused further service. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Service staff and their places of employment discovered to continually serve drunk customers more alcoholic beverages may be subject to criminal prosecution and jail terms of multiple years.

Among the stipulations of the just ratified Article 424 of the Criminal Code include the following:

  • Persons found guilty of selling or serving intoxicating drinks to someone already intoxicated can be fined and imprisoned for a maximum period of one year.
  • Persons found guilty of selling or serving intoxicating drinks to children can be fined and imprisoned for a maximum period of two years.
  • Persons found guilty of using violence and the threat of violence to compel someone to drink or consume an intoxicating substance can be fined and imprisoned for three years.
  • If anyone provides intoxicating beverages or substances that results in serious injury to the user or others, they can be fined and imprisoned for a maximum period of five years.
  • If anyone serves the intoxicating beverages or substances described above, the use of which results in the death of the user or others, can be imprisoned for a maximum of seven years.
  • If the serving of intoxicating beverages to inebriated individuals, to minor children, or forcing the consumption of these items is done by an employee as part of their assigned duties, the operating license of the company can be revoked. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

The new Indonesian law reflects the situation in many countries that hold bars and entertainment establishments legally responsible if they knowingly continue to serve someone already intoxicated. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Applying Online for RI Visa-on-Arrival

indonesia online visaThe Director General of Immigration -Ministry of Law and Human Rights has announced that foreign travelers coming to Indonesia can apply online for an electronic visa (e-visa-on-arrival) 90 days before arrival. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

“The time limit for the use of an E-VOA is 90 days from the date of issuance.,” explained the sub-coordinator for public relations of the Director General of Immigration, Achmad Nur Saleh, in a written statement issued on Thursday, 15 December 2022. Saleh continued, saying that foreign nationals can apply online for a visa-on-arrival three months before their intended arrival date. The online VOA will be valid for 30 days.

Immigration officials urge foreign travelers to apply before commencing their travel to ensure the VOA is in hand and confirmed before arrival in Indonesia. If circumstances require, the application for a VOA can be made manually at the port of entry. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

To apply for an e-VOA, travelers should prepare a photo of the biodata page of their passport (format JPG/JPEG/PNG). A passport-size personal photograph and a major credit/debit card to pay the visa fee (Visa/Mastercard/JCB).

Third-party payment of the visa fee in a name other than the visa applicant can be made using 3D secure technology for international bank card transactions. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Cigarette Taxes Increase 01 January 2023

indonesia cigarette tax increaseIndonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani has announced that effective 01 January 2023, the excise tax on Tobacco products would increase an average of 10%. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Speaking at the DPR Complex, Sri Mulyani told the press on Monday, 12 December 2022, that the higher taxes would apply as soon as January 2023

As reported by CNN.com, Kamrussamad, a member of Commission X of the DPR, questions if the tax increase has been adequately socialized in advance to the public. The Legislators said no “road map” exists detailing the steps leading up to the tax increase’s eventual implementation in 2023. He also lamented that the amount of untaxed, illicit tobacco products still in circulation exceeds 5%. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

“Illegal cigarettes stand at 5.5% in 2022. When will this be reduced to 3% or 2%? This situation is chaotic, and the Ministry’s road map does not define any clear policy. The amount of illegal cigarettes is always more than 5%. This represents a leakage in the State’s funds,” commented Kamrussamad.

In defense of its administration, the Ministry of Finance insists it has always paid attention to the impact of its policies on employment and related industries. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

They also consider the effect on state revenue. A spokesman points out that competing interests are at play. For example, some want to emphasize health and do not necessarily think in the same direction as those who want to create jobs.

A Ministry spokesperson said introducing excise tax would require 5-10 years to complete.

Seen from another perspective, the head of The Fiscal Policy Agency (BKF) of the Finance Ministry, Febrio Nathan Kacaribu, discussed the slowness of the creation of a road map on matters related to tobacco excise taxes. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

He explained that such a road map must contemplate a range of considerations and that his Ministry always pays attention to issues linked to public health, employment, and manpower and also consider the impact of policy decisions on related industries. In the end, the Ministry must always weigh how any issue impacts State revenues. 

Differing increases in excise tax apply for kretek machine-made cigarettes, white machine-made cigarettes, and handmade kretek cigarettes.

The Finance Minister said that the average increase in excise tax would be 10%, with the two types of manufactured kretek cigarettes increasing between 11.5% and 11.75%. White manufactured cigarettes will incur an increase in excise tax of between 11% and 12%. Meanwhile, handmade cigarettes will see an excise increase of only 5%. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

194 Foreigners Deported from Bali in 2022

foreigner deportation baliNusaBali.com reports that 194 foreign nationals were deported from the Province of Bali in 2022. 

Records kept by the Bali Ministry of Law and Human Rights office said the largest deportations involved Brazilians and U.S. nationals. The Bali Chief of Immigration, Anggiat Napitupulu, confirmed 194 deportations through 20 December 2022. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Napitupulu also confirmed that 15 Brazilians were deported for violating the terms of their visas. The Brazilians failed to pass the on-arrival interview process at Bali’s Airport, causing immigration examiners to presume those rejected were not visiting Indonesia for tourism purposes but for professional and business reasons. 

A group of 15 Brazilians was denied entry into Indonesia.

Immigration also deported 12 U.S. Nationals in 2022, mainly for overstaying their visas.

Anggiat said that of the 194 foreigners deported in 2022, most were deported for overstaying their visas. Others were deported after completing a prison sentence or because they were caught involved in activities not allowed under their visa class. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

US Cancels LGBTI+ Special Envoy RI Visit

LGBTI+ BaliThe US Government has announced the cancellation of a Visit to Indonesia by President Biden’s Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) Jessica Stern.

The planned visit was to meet with Indonesian leaders in the private and public sectors regarding President Biden’s 04 February 2021 Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Global Human Rights of LGBTQI + persons.

The US Ambassador to Indonesia, Sung Y Kim, announced the cancellation of Stern’s visit. In canceling the visit, Ambassador Kim issued an official statement: “One of the reasons the United States and Indonesia have such a strong relationship is that we both uphold values such as democracy, human rights, diversity, and tolerance. Those values should apply to every member of society, including LGBTQI+ persons.” (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Despite the cancellation of Stern’s visit, Ambassador Kim added: “While we look forward to continuing our dialogue with religious leaders, government officials, and members of the public on the important topic of ensuring respect for the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons, after discussions with our counterparts in the Indonesian government, we have decided to cancel Special Envoy Stern’s visit to Indonesia.

Knowing that around the world, LGBTQI+ persons experience disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination, it is important to continue the dialogue and ensure mutual respect for one another rather than pretending that the issues do not exist. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Countries like Indonesia and the US can learn from one another about how to counter hatred and ensure more prosperous, inclusive societies for all.”

Jessica Eve Stern holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University in Public Policy (1992) with a Master’s Degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Columbia University. Dr. Stern has held professional assignments in the Clinton Administration’s National Security Council and the Council on Foreign Relations. She is highly regarded for her expertise and publication on counter-terrorism and law. (Main Port Article: Indonesia Adultery Law)

Among those voicing objections to Stern’s planned visit to Indonesia was the Deputy-Chairman of Majelis Umum Indonesia (MUI), Anwar Abbas. In a written statement on 01 December 2022, Anwar said regarding the arrival of Jessica Stern, the US special envoy to promote LGBTQI+ human rights from December 7-9 to Indonesia, the MUI has stated that it firmly rejects the presence of the special envoy. Anwar emphasized that Indonesia, as a religious and civilized nation, does not need to receive guests who aim to damage and unsettle Indonesia’s noble religious and cultural beliefs and values.

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Immigration Indonesia Reformation

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.

 

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Indonesia Travel Restrictions

Indonesia Travel Restrictions – New Domestic & Inter’l Travel Rules

Indonesia Travel Restrictions – New Domestic & Inter’l Travel Rules

Indonesia Travel RestrictionsThe Ministry of Transportation has published circular memoranda providing guidelines to take effect on 17 July 2022 on the use of public transportation.

The circular memoranda – numbered 21 and 22 – covers travel guidelines for both domestic and international travelers during the continuing pandemic.

Adita Irawati, a spokesman for the Ministry of Transportation, stated in a written explanation on Monday, 11 July 2022, that the guideline covering domestic travel comprises four memoranda: memorandum no. 68 on sea transportation; memorandum no. 70 on air transportation; memorandum no.72 on rail transport; and memorandum no. 73 on land transportation.

For international transport, there are three relevant memoranda: memorandum no. 69 on sea transportation; memorandum no. 74 on land transportation; and memorandum no. 74 on land transportation.(Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

The guidelines generally covered the memoranda address nationwide air, sea, land, private vehicle transportation, public transport, ferries, and train travel.

Indonesia Travel Restrictions – Domestic Travel

The key guidelines include:

  1. Domestic travelers who have received the third COVID-19 vaccination (including the 3rd booster shot) are not required to show negative results of an RT-PCRor rapid antigen test.
  2. Domestic travelers who have received a second dosage of the COVID-19vaccination are required to present a negative result for a rapid antigen test performed within 24 hours before departure or a negative result for an RT-PCR test performed 48 hours before departure. These domestic passengers must also be prepared to submit to an on-site booster (3rd vaccination) at the port-of-departure.
  3. Domestic travelers who have only received the first COVID-19 vaccinationmust present a negative result from an RT-PCR test performed within 72 hours of departure.
  4. Domestic travelers suffering from specific health conditions or comorbidity that prevent vaccination are exempted from the vaccination requirement. Still, they must present proof of a negative RT-PCR examination within 72 hours of departure. These individuals must also submit a doctor or government hospital letter stating that the traveler cannot follow the COVID-19 vaccination
  5. Domestic travelers between the ages of 6 and 17 must show a certificate showing they have received the second COVID-19 vaccination and are not required to present a negative RT-PCRor rapid test antigen.
  6. Domestic travelers under the age of 6 years are exempted from vaccination requirements and are not required to present a negative RT-PCRor rapid test antigen. The young travelers must be accompanied on their journey by someone who has met established vaccination and testing protocols.

Indonesia Travel RestrictionsAdita Irawati elaborated, saying the above requirements do not apply for routine travel by land using public or private vehicles, trains operating within a single region or municipal area, pioneer modes of transportation in border areas, and, in limited special circumstances, in remote regions.

 

(Indonesia Travel Restrictions) – Generally, the protocols apply also to foreign travelers using the following gateways:

  1. International airports that include: Soekarno Hatta (Banten), Juanda (Surabaya), Ngurah Rai International (Bali), Hang Nadim (Riau), Raja Haji Fisabilillah (Riau), Sam Ratulangi (Manado), Zainuddin Abdul Madjid (Lombok), Kualanamu (Medan), Sultan Hasabuddin (Makassar), Yogyakarta International, Sultan Iskandar Musa (Aceh – only for Haj pilgrimage), Minangkabau, (West Sumatra – only for Haj pilgrimage), Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, (South Sumatra – only for Haj pilgrimage), Adisumarmo, (Solo Jawa Tengah – only for Haj pilgrimage ), Syamsuddin Noor, (South Kalimantan – only for Haj pilgrimage), Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan, (East Kalimantan – only for Haj pilgrimage).
  2. All international seaports in Indonesia
  3. Eight international border crossing points that include Aruk, West Kalimantan; Entikong, West Kalimantan; Motaain, East Nusa Tenggara; Nanga Badau, West Kalimantan; Motamasin, East Nusa Tenggara; Wini, East Nusa Tenggara; Skouw, Papua; and Sota, Papua.

Adita said the guidelines outlined in the latest memoranda would take effect on 17 July 2022.

Bali G20 Summit – Early Storm Warnings!

Bali G20 SummitIndonesia’s goal of hosting a peaceful and productive G20 Summit in November 2022 is being cast into growing doubt amidst growing international tensions fueled by Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

In a runup to the November Summit, Indonesia convened a meeting of G20 member nation foreign ministers in Bali on 08 July 2022. Disappointing to the Indonesian hosts, the Bali event saw many attendees acting in an openly recalcitrant manner, including a high dudgeon walkout in the early stages of the gathering by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, accused the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister of failing to respect the G20 Meeting of Foreign Ministers. The highly critical accusation from the EU representative was made against Lavrov after the latter walked out of a meeting of foreign ministers in the Nusa Dua.

In Nusa Dua, Lavrov finished his speech presenting the Russian perspective on Ukraine and other topics and then left the proceedings without listening to his G20 counterparts table their countries’ respective positions.

Kompas.com, reporting on the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meetings (FMM), quotes Borrell, speaking on behalf of the EU, saying: “He (Lavrov) spoke and then left without any explanation. He didn’t listen to other Ministers’ remarks and avoided every interaction and discussion.”

The State News Agency Antara quoted Borrell alleging that Lavrov’s behavior in Bali failed to respect the G20 meeting of foreign ministers and that he attended without any intention to seek a solution to the Russian-Ukraine conflict. (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

The Russian-Ukraine conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic drew international attention to the Bali meeting of G20 foreign ministers that serves as a preliminary before the main event of the G20 Summit in November 2022. Borrell explained the Bali meeting was convened spontaneously amidst the emotional atmosphere of the life and death drama of those living in the Ukraine war zone.

Borrell also mentioned the food crisis resulting from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, warning of the effects on the global food supply if the war does not end soon. “It is not only the Ukraine that will suffer,” said the EU official.

Bali G20 Summit 2022Meanwhile, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said the meeting of foreign ministers under Indonesia’s G20 presidency was a success with the attendance of all the G20 foreign ministers to discuss significant global challenges. Adding: “This is an achievement: gathering all the key players in one room for talks.

During the Bali meeting, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, had a one-on-one side-meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, reflecting the current state of US and Russian relations, Blinken and Lavrov made no effort to meet in Bali. (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

“Discussion were conducted in a very open atmosphere, and everyone accepted that they each had their position, but that fact was not of no great importance.” Retno acknowledged Larov’s abrupt departure from the meeting room, saying other foreign ministers were also coming and going from the room to undertake bi-lateral side meetings with their international counterparts.

Dian Triansyah Djani, an Indonesian career diplomat, assigned to coordinating the G20 Summit and its side meetings, told the press that no delegations walked out of the Bali meeting. Dian said if such a walkout took place, it was merely a normal part of international diplomacy. “What’s important is that (what happened) was not a walk out against Indonesia’s leadership of the G20,” added Dian. (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

Continuing in the same vein, Dian insisted that the attendance of all the foreign ministers of the G20 in Bali showed international faith in Indonesia’s current presidency of the G20. Indonesia demonstrated its ability to conduct neutral meetings reflecting the country’s commitment to a foreign policy that is independent, active, and always in search of solutions to global problems.

In a separate report from Kompas.com, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov publicly complained after the reported Friday 08 July 2022 “walk out” at the Nusa Dua Complex. Lavrov lamented that foreign ministers attending the Bali meeting used the occasion to launch verbal attacks on Russia instead of remaining “on topic” by discussing global economic challenges. After leaving the meeting, Lavrov said he decided not to attend the main meeting and a group photograph. (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

A Russian news source, Russia Today, claimed that some countries had agreed to try to punish Russian because of the Ukraine conflict, using the G20 meeting in Bali to underline Russian diplomatic isolation. “It’s clear they used the G20 for a manufactured purpose,” said Lavrov.

Lavrov rejected moves to depict Russia as aggressors, invaders, or occupiers. He also claimed that Western Nations were sending mixed signals, with some countries calling for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict while other nations are urging Ukraine to fight. (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

Continuing, and quoted by The Guardian, Lavrov said: “If the west doesn’t want talks to take place but wishes for Ukraine to defeat Russia on the battlefield – because both views have been expressed – then perhaps there is nothing to talk about with the west.”

Indonesian Marriage Laws

marriage laws indonesiaIndonesian culture has an almost overwhelming desire to see every single adult married. Accordingly, the law states that people should be married to a person of the opposite sex who shares their religious belief in a ceremony performed before a government registrar (catatan sipil) and, ideally, also by a religious-traditional celebrant.

People unfamiliar with Indonesian culture may find it hard to understand a situation in which a toothless, 86-year-old spinster, when asked if she’s married, can only respond by saying “not yet” (“belum”). (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

Culturally, the woman to answer by saying the equivalent of “I am NOT married” would sound so strange to local ears that all communication would come to a screaming halt.

Legal matrimony remains a central theme of Indonesian society, a fact reflected in the final draft of the current revision of the Indonesian criminal code threatening imprisonment and fines for anyone found to be cohabitating with another adult outside the bonds of marriage. If ratified, this law may have far-reaching consequences on tourism in Bali and the rest of Indonesia.

Article 416 of the draft law prohibits cohabitation and consensual sex by unmarried couples, threatening large fines and six months imprisonment for being convicted of sex outside marriage.

One mitigating stipulation of the new law states that prosecutions can only proceed against an illicit non-marital-sex offense following a complaint made by a third party. The charge can be withdrawn or nullified at any time before going to trial. (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

marriage laws indonesiaAt the current time, even before the new law goes into effect, law enforcement officials in remote regions of Bali and across the rest of the Republic show little mercy to those caught engaging in extra-marital sex.

Local media reports frequently tell of unmarried couples, government officials, students, and unfaithful husbands and wives being apprehended in flagrante delicto or “in the act” of committing extra-marital sex in local hotels and villas.

It is unclear how the proposed new law against extra-marital sex will contradict Article 28 of the Indonesian Constitution, which protects individual rights and freedom. Also of concern is how this law might backfire and inflict significant damage on Bali’s recovering tourism industry. (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

For instance, just how the law will be applied in Bali’s large hotel and villa sector is troubling, with some insisting Bali police would close a “blind eye” as regards unmarried couples sharing rooms in Bali. But, the “law is the law,” and many travelers might suddenly find Bali and the rest of Indonesia an unattractive destination against even the faintest possibility that a prison term and a fine could follow the next knock on your hotel room door.

It is, of course, Indonesia’s right to establish and rigorously enforce its system of laws. However, at the same time, there would almost certainly be consequences on Indonesia’s efforts to develop international tourism resulting from the strict application of the new law. (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

Common-law marriage has many names and labels: de facto, cohabitation, samenliven, domestic partnership, conjugal union, and kumpul kebo.

The new Indonesian law seems to ignore trends in modern society. By whatever name, common-law partnerships or non-ceremonial marriages appear to be undergoing an upward trend globally. This includes Indonesia and Bali, where many young Indonesian couples share accommodation when traveling to major tourism areas.

Leading source markets for foreign visitors to Bali include large segments of people in long-term unions without the benefit of formal marriage certificates. Data from The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) show that growing numbers of people live in unregistered domestic partnerships, averaging from 10% to 30% in nearly all developed countries. What’s more, the average rate of unmarried couples living in non-registered unions grows higher among older couples and those with higher levels of education.

Australia is a leading source of tourists to Bali, where OECD data shows as many as 17% of couples over age 30 cohabitate in de facto relationships. By extension, it is logical to assume that many within this segment travel on holiday to Bali and book accommodation at the Island’s hotels. (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

If Article 416 of the revised criminal law prohibiting cohabitation by unmarried adults is rigorously enforced in Indonesia, questions arise about the impact on Bali’s beleaguered tourism sector? Will domestic and international guests be required to present “proof of marriage” at check-in? Will guests unable to present an acceptable marriage license be refused service?

Will supervision measures now be implemented to monitor Bali’s large wedding planning industry to ensure that the bride and groom sleep in separate rooms until formally married, as seeming required by the new law? Will Bali law enforcement officials in the Island’s main tourist areas duplicate enforcement measures already in place elsewhere in Indonesia by conducting “surprise” raids of guest rooms to apprehend and arrest those involved in illicit conjugal relations? (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

But the most important question still to be answered is what effect Article 416 KUHP will have on Bali tourism arrivals and the Island’s standing as the world’s most romantic Island?

Denpasar Hotels Struggle to Recover

hotels denpasar baliNusaBali.com quotes the chairman of the Denpasar branch of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI-Denpasar), Ida Bagus Gede Sidharta Putra (“Gusde”), saying average hotel occupancy rates in Denpasar had reached 40% – with “almost all” PHRI-Denpasar members now open and operating.

Some Denpasar hotels, however, remain closed. Gusde said some hotels remain closed because their rooms suffered damage and deteriorated during the pandemic and are yet fit to be occupied by guests. (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

According to Gusde, occupancy rates at Denpasar hotels average around 40%. Despite the large number of events taking place in Bali, occupancy at Bali hotels remains between 40-50%.

Gusde said hotels in Denpasar offer discounts of between 35-40 percent.

Gusde, who manages the Griya Santrian on Sanur Beach, optimistically noted that his property is bow achieving an occupancy of 65-70%. Adding: “This is good. Although the price is not yet normal, rates are still rising slowly with the international borders now reopened. Many hotels are not ready (to reopen). Two years (of closure), they are damaged.” (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

The PHRI-Denpasar chairman said that in normal times there are around 8,000 hotel rooms in Denpasar, and the current number (of saleable rooms) is about half this number. He admitted there had been no formal confirmation or survey regarding how many hotels remain open, how many are bankrupt, or how many are under repair following a two-year pandemic crisis.

Continuing, Gusde explained: “For instance, from the 138 rooms at the Griya Santrian, 80 are not saleable. The paint on the walls has peeled, and some air conditioners are broken. We don’t have the funds to repair these items, and we must gradually accumulate the funds, and then we will repair these rooms.” (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

Australian visitors dominate guests in the Sanur Beach area of Denpasar. Domestic travelers dominate guests in Denpasar city hotels.

bali denpasar hotelGusde explained the problems now encountered by hotels heavily dependent on domestic travelers. He said hotels serving only the domestic market enjoy either “feast or famine” – high occupancy during school, public holidays, and major events sponsored by State ministries.

When these holidays or events pass, the hotels don’t know where to look for new guests. Hotels with a mix of domestic and international guests enjoy a less “up and down” trend in occupancies. (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

The PHRI-Denpasar chairman is hopeful that The Sanur Village Festival scheduled for 17-21 August will stimulate visitors and hotel occupancies in both Denpasar and Sanur. Gusde thinks the Festival may provide a 10-15% improvement in hotel occupancies based on its past success in attracting domestic and international visitors.

In pre-pandemic times, the 5-day Sanur Village Festival managed to generate Rp. 44 billion in income, attracting 70,000 visitors to Sanur.

Bali Among Busiest Airports in June 2022

airport denpasar baliThe 15 Indonesian airports managed by PT Angkasa Pura I (API) handled 4.715 million inbound and outbound passengers traveling on 39,706 flight movements during June 2022.

As reported by Kompas.com, compared to one year before – June 2021, passenger traffic increased 37% while aircraft movements were up by 6%. In June 2021, a total of 3.44 million passengers on 42,324 flights were recorded by API.

The CEO of API, Faik Fahmi, noting the increase in passengers and flights, commented: “The continuing trend in passenger growth over this year is a positive sign of the recovery of the public’s faith in air travel.” (Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions)

Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport

Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport recorded the highest number of passengers and flights in June 2022 among the 15 airports managed by API.

Flights and passenger numbers at API-managed air gateways in June ranked in order of the three leading busiest airports.

  •      Bali’s Ngurah Rai Internation Airport:1.1 million passengers comprising 754,188 domestic and 364,910 international passengers.
  •      Surabaya’s Juanda International Airport: 995,621 passengers comprising 855,345 domestic passengers, 74,334 international passengers, and 65,942 transit travelers.
  •      Makassar’s Sultan Hasanuddin Airport: 873,809 passengers comprising 658,087 domestic passengers, 9,584 international passengers, and 206,138 transit passengers.

(Article: Indonesia Travel Restrictions) – Aircraft Movements

In terms of aircraft movement, the top three airports in terms of ranking:

  •      Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airportwas ranked first in June 2022 with 7,027 flights broken down into 5,105 domestic flights and 1,922 international flights.
  •      Surabaya’s Juanda International Airport ranked second with 6,839 flights broken down into 6,355 domestic and 484 international flights.
  •      Makassar’s Sultan Hasanuddin Airportranked third with 6,829 flights comprised of 6,768 domestic and 61 international flights.

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Bali Tourist Entry Visa

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

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Bali Tourism Recovery

Bali Tourism Recovery – Recovery Uneven Across SE Asia

Tourism Recovery BaliTwo years after world tourism descended into suspended animation because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the gradual removal of quarantine and travel restrictions across Southeast Asia is now precipitating the reawakening of tourism in the region.

As reported by Beritabali.com and Suara.com, while tourism is certainly on the rebound, the recovery process will not happen on a uniform basis across the region.

Data provided by the travel company ForwardKeys, says international air transportation bookings in Southeast Asia at the end of March 2022 were at a level of 38% of what they were in the pre-pandemic period. At the same time, a sharp increase in new bookings has taken place over the past three months, particularly in Singapore and the Philippines.

The Minister of Tourism for the Philippines, Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, says her country is leading the travel revival because “We were the first to cut all the bureaucracy.”

“Tourists enjoy this lack of bureaucracy because once they arrive in the country, they are free to go,” said Romulo-Puyat.

Meanwhile, many countries in Southeast Asia have opened their tourism borders for travelers who can prove they are fully vaccinated. Bali Tourism Recovery

Many Southeast Asian destinations, such as Indonesia, only require travelers to undertake a rapid antigen test before arrival and upon arrival.

A few countries continue to apply stricter entry restrictions, such as Thailand, a leading tourism destination in the region, before the pandemic. In Thailand, international visitors are still subjected to bureaucratic rules. ForwardKeys reports that flight bookings to Singapore and the Philippines are 72% and 65% of 2019 levels, respectively, while Thailand bookings are only 24% of what they were in 2019.

Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thailand Hotel Association, says: “The PCR test (in Thailand) can cost 2,000 – 2,500 baht (around Rp. 850,000 to Rp. 1 million) and the bureaucracy can sometimes be complicated.”

Marisa said Thailand’s current rules and regulations are seen as obstacles to travel by many travelers. Adding: “If other countries do not impose complicated entry requirements, travelers prefer to go to those places that are more relaxed.” (Bali Tourism Recovery)

The Governor of Thailand’s Central Bank, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, said, speaking on Monday, 11 April 2022: “Thailand will need time until 2026 to recover fully.”

In 2019, the tourism sector contributed 12% of Thailand’s Gross Domestic Product (PDB).

As Southeast Asia recovers, the once prominent Chinese traveler has largely disappeared in the current revival. Before the pandemic, travelers from the PRC represented the overwhelmingly dominant source market for Southeast Asian travel. However, at this time, China’s travel sector remains in an almost virtual shutdown.

In 2019, more than one-quarter of the 40 million international tourists traveling to Thailand came from the PRC. Meanwhile, Thailand is only targeting in 2022 a modest 5 to 10 million international visitors, mainly from Malaysia and other neighboring Southeast Asian countries. (Bali Tourism Recovery)

MarketKeys says that for Southeast Asia as a whole, 30% of foreign tourists in 2022 are anticipated to originate from Europe. If this market share is realized, it will be an increase from 2019, when 22% of all visitors to the regions came from Europe. Similarly, the American market segment of travelers to Southeast Asia is projected to hit 21% in 2022, up dramatically from the 9% American market share in 2019.

Showing the impact of the diminished PRC market, ForwardKeys predicts in 2022, only 24% of all travelers in Southeast Asia will be from Asia, a figure less than half of the 57% Asian market share experienced in 2019.

Figures from the World Travel & Tourism Council say the tourism sector contributed US$ 380.6 billion to the gross domestic product (PDB) of Southeast Asia in 2019, an amount roughly equal to 11.8% of the total PDB for the region.

 

Air Passengers to Bali Increase 148% in April 2022

Tourism Recovery Bali

Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster has revealed that 305 airplanes operated international flights to Bali during April 2022, an increase of 148% compared to the previous month of March when 123 aircraft came to Bali. “The total number of international tourists in April was 66,685 or an average of 2,222 passengers per day,” said Koster on Sunday, 01 May 2022. (Bali Tourism Recovery)

As reported by NusaBali.com, the number of international tourists to Bali increased 287% in April compared to March, when 17,250 people or 575 daily passengers passed through Bali’s airport.

Bali’s Governor links the increased arrivals to the lowering of COVID-19 cases and high vaccination rates, resulting in an overall safe and conducive atmosphere for tourism. “In this way, the number of domestic and international tourists visiting Bali increased. What’s more, the policy changes on 07 March 2022 eliminating quarantine and the visa-on-arrival facility for 43 countries helped further increase tourism,” said the Governor.

Domestic flight movements to Bali in March 2022 numbered 2,188 aircraft carrying 276,619 passengers, averaging 9.220 daily passengers. In April, however, domestic flights declined to 1,966 aircraft movements. In April, this decline of 11% compared to the 245,050 total domestic passengers in March averaged 8,168 passengers per day.

The Governor cites the fasting month as the cause for the decline in travelers in April compared to March. (Bali Tourism Recovery)

Governor Koster is confident that tourism numbers, both domestic and international, are on the rebound in Bali. The ending of quarantine requirements and visa-on-arrival facilities for 60 countries herald the recovery of the tourism sector.

Further evidence of Bali’s recovery abounds. The Island will host a major conference – The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 23-28 May 2022 expected to attract 4,000 participants from 193 countries. (Bali Tourism Recovery)

In late October 2022, Bali will be the site for the G20 Summit, expected to draw world leaders from at least 39 countries and some 10,000 delegates and participants.

 

Bali Tourism Recovery – Traffic Surge at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport

Tourism Recovery BaliArrivals at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport hit a recent-record high on Thursday, 28 April 2022, with 23,625 passengers arriving and departing on both domestic and international flights. 15,748 arrived in Bali on this date, and 7,877 left the island.

The Stakeholder Manager for PT Angkasa Pura I, Taufan Yudhistira, said the airport managers had long predicted that Lebaran Holiday traffic would peak on the Thursday before Hari Idul Fitri.

Data recorded by the Ngurah Rai Command Post that coordinates holiday traffic shows passenger traffic growth starting from 25 April 2022:

At the time of the report published by NusaBali.com, more than 16,000 passengers were expected to pass through the airport on 29 April.

To handle the anticipated holiday rush of passengers, extra flight slots have been filled and approved granted for five airlines: AirAsia, Citilink, Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia, and Lion Air. 266 additional flight permits were requested via PT Angkasa Pura I for the Lebaran holiday period.

Extra holiday flights are operating primarily, in descending order, from Jakarta’s Soekarno Hatta Airport, Surabaya’s Juanda International Airport, Solo’s Ado Sumarno International Airport, Yogyakarta’s International Airport, and Balikpapan’s Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport. Bali Tourism Recovery

G20: RI Neutral & Unaligned Position

G 20 BaliThe announcement of Indonesia confirming the invitations to the G20 Summit in Bali for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is being criticized in some circles, including the United States of America. The U.S. White House is threatening to boycott the proceedings if President Putin is allowed to attend.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, in his capacity as the head of the G20 and host of the Summit, has answered that criticism by reaffirming that Putin is welcome to attend and extended an additional invitation to the Ukraine President.

Earlier, the USA has suggested to Indonesia that if Russia attends the G20, Ukraine should also be invited to Bali. Should Ukraine attend, it would be accorded a “special guest” status in that they are not a member of the G20.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo insists Indonesia’s position on the Ukraine-Russian conflict remain neutral and unaligned.

“I have already invited President Zelenskyy to attend the G20 Summit,” said President Joko Widodo. President Widodo delivered his invitation by telephone to President Zelenskyy on Wednesday, 27 April 2022.

The President of Indonesia has publicly identified the resolution of the Ukraine-Russian conflict as critical to global economic development. Bali Tourism Recovery

 

RI Invites Ukraine & Russia to G20

G20 Summit Indonesia BaliBalipost.com reports that Indonesian President Joko Widodo has relayed the confirmation that Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the G20 Summit in Bali in November 2022. The Indonesian President also confirmed that the Ukraine President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has been invited to join world leaders at the Bali Summit.

The State News Agency Antara reported the President’s comments from the Bogor Presidential Palace on Friday, 29 April 2022. Joko Widodo used the opportunity to express his thanks to G20 participants who have confirmed their attendance in Bali.

The Indonesian President and the Russian President spoke on Thursday, 28 April 2022.

During their telephone conversation, Putin reportedly updated Joko Widodo on the situation in Ukraine, including ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

The Indonesian President used the opportunity to urge that peace in Ukraine be given priority and pledge that Indonesia stands ready to contribute to any peace process.

On Wednesday, 27 April 2022, President Joko Widodo called Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to invite him to attend the G20 Summit in Bali.

Although Ukraine is not a member of the G20, Indonesia, as the current chairman of the G20, is entitled to invite non-members to attend the Summit.

Many members of the G20 have criticized the Russian invasion of Ukraine, now in its ninth week. The conflict has sparked international geopolitical tension, threatened the global economy, and precipitated a massive humanitarian crisis. Bali Tourism Recovery

Many G20 members are calling for the ouster of Russia and Vladimir Putin from the participant list for the Bali Summit. As host and chair of the Summit, Indonesia has resisted these calls, saying it was too premature at this time to take such a decision.

The Indonesian President explained that he has invited Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Bali Summit to help restore a troubled world economy.

“We understand that the G20 serves as a catalyst in global economic recovery. If we are discussing global economic recovery, two factors are critical at this time. The first is the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the second is the war in Ukraine,” said the Indonesian President speaking by video link from the Bogor Palace.

The G20 Summit will be held in Bali from 30-31 October 2022.

 

 

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