Indonesia Issues COVID-19 Prevention and Control Regulation for Christmas and New Year

Nusantara Pol - Indonesian Minister of Home Affairs has issued an instruction Number 62 of 2021 concerning Prevention and Control of Corona Virus Disease 2019 for Christmas  and New Year holidays. 

"This ministerial instruction will take effect on December 24, 2021 until January 2, 2022," says the regulation which was signed by Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian on November 22.

Screenshot of the Minister of Home Affair Instruction.

In Indonesia, Christmas  and New Year are often abbreviated as Nataru (Natal and Tahun Baru)

The government has advised the public not to travel during the holidays, unless if it's urgent. Nataru homecoming, a tradition where families and migrants would come home to visit relatives, will be effectively canceled. Inbound travelers from aboard will also be subjected to the tightening policy. 

Traffics will also be restricted and travelers who have urgent business must be tested, either using Antigen test or PCR test.

Churches and places of worship, tourist attractions, and shopping areas as well as cinemas will be subjected to the level 3 restriction, in accordance to the Implementation of Community Activity Restrictions policy.  

Previously, Bali has decided to limit the number of foreign tourist visitors to 1,500 people per day during Christmas and New Year holidays period.

Wedding will also be restricted based on the level 3 restriction. Cultural and art events as well as sport events will be postponed until after January 2, 2022. All public squares will be closed.

The level 3 restriction means that the mentioned places can only operate at 50% maximum capacity and shorter opening time.

The government will also prohibit leave for State Civil Apparatus, Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Indonesian National Police (Polri), State Owned Enterprises and private employees during the Nataru holiday period

Furthermore, the government has also appealed to workers and laborers to postpone taking leave after the Nataru holiday period.

Strict health protocol such as mandatory mask and vaccination card will be required. The public has been advised to use the PeduliLindungi tracing apps when entering crowded places.