Indonesia Reopens 6 International Airports as COVID Restrictions Relaxed

TheIndonesia.id - The Indonesian government has announced the reopening of six international airports and three cross-border posts (PLBN) across Indonesia as it gradually lifts COVID-19 restrictions.

The spokesperson for COVID-19 Task Force Wiku Adisasmito revealed on Wednesday, May 18, that six international airports in six provinces will reopen – not only to allow mobility, but also to support hajj program that will kick off next month.

“[The reopening] aims to support the operational of hajj program that will take place from June 4 to August 15,” Adisasmito said, as reported by Antara.

The six airports are Sultan Iskandar Muda in Aceh, Minangkabau in West Sumatra, Sultan Mahmud Badarudin II in South Sumatra, Adi Sumarmo in Central Java, Syamsudin Noor in South Kalimantan, and Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan in East Kalimantan.

Meanwhile, Nanga Badau, Motamasin and Wini, as well as Skow dan Sota cross-border posts in West Kalimantan, East Nusa Tenggara, and Papua, respectively, will also reopen.

Indonesia has been gradually lifting social restrictions in a national effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. After waiving mandatory COVID tests for domestic travelers, earlier this week, President Joko Widodo announced that mandatory PCR swab tests or antigens for foreign travelers would also be dropped for those who are fully vaccinated.

Therefore, starting on May 18, vaccinated travelers do not need a COVID-19 test to enter Indonesia.

Furthermore, the President also decided to allow the public not to use masks during outdoor activities.

"However, for activities in closed spaces and public transportation, masks must still be used," he said.