Indonesian tourism minister says preparations can begin for 'safe travel corridor' between Singapore, Batam and Bintan

JAKARTA: Indonesian tourism and artistic financial system minister Sandiaga Uno mentioned on Saturday (Mar 20) that preparations can start for a “safe travel corridor” between Singapore, Batam Nongsa and Bintan Lagoi.

In a gathering with officers in Batam, the minister proposed that the journey hall start on Apr 21, particularly for Nongsa in Batam and Lagoi in Bintan which, previous to the COVID-19 pandemic, have been locations frequented by Singapore residents.

Mr Uno mentioned there's a direct route that connects Singapore’s ferry terminal with Nongsapura ferry terminal in Batam in addition to Bandar Bintan Telani ferry terminal in Bintan.

“I've tried all of the routes and we will instantly put together this for the opening of the secure journey hall with Singapore," said Mr Uno.

Foreign tourists who want to enter the two areas are expected to have a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result and will have to take a COVID-19 breath test detector, known locally as GeNose, upon arrival. 

"There will even be an software the place we can't solely hint, but additionally monitor the motion of vacationers," Mr Uno added. 

READ: With out vacationers from Singapore, Bintan's resorts get inventive to make ends meet amid COVID-19

Individually on Saturday, Mr Uno noticed the vaccination of tourism staff in Batam.

He hopes that by vaccinating staff and residents in Nongsa, Batam and Lagoi, Bintan, the ‘safe travel corridor’ will be applied.

"At the moment in Batam there are 1,500 tourism staff who obtained vaccinated in Batam and greater than 2,000 folks in Bintan. The goal is 30,000 which we should vaccinate earlier than April for the secure journey hall.

“Let’s unfold the excellent news to Singapore and Malaysia, in order that they plan their vacation to Batam and Bintan," said the minister.

CNA has sought comment from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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