By Mohd Shukri Ishak
JAKARTA, March 19 (NNN-BERNAMA) — At midnight Thursday, Indonesia is to close its borders to foreign visitors and prohibit citizens from leaving the country for a month over the COVID-19 pandemic.
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi made the announcement during a media conference carried on the Foreign Ministry official portal.
She said the Indonesian government has decided to suspend for one month the visa-free arrival, visa-on-arrival and free diplomatic / service visa policies.
“Therefore, every foreigner who visits Indonesia is required to have a visa from an Indonesian representative in accordance with the purpose of the visit,” she said, adding that the potential visitor, when applying for the visa, must attach a health certificate issued by the health authority in their respective country.
Retno said this new regulation will be reviewed in accordance with suitability and developments.
As at noon Thursday, 25 people have died from COVID-19 in the country. The number of cases has also risen to 309.
