[ad_1]
JAKARTA: The Indonesian government is preparing an e-visa system and special counters at the airport serving Jakarta and the Batam ferry terminal for a “reciprocal green lane” with Singapore, said Human Rights and Law Minister Yasonna Laoly .
Preparations are underway following discussions on a “reciprocal green lane” to allow essential travel.
In a statement on Thursday (October 1), the minister said that immigration officials would set up special counters for Singapore residents who want to enter Indonesia via the green lane.
An e-visa service is also planned to be available from October 15 to support the green lane with Singapore.
“We will provide special counters for the green lane at Soekarno-Hatta airport (near Jakarta) and Batam so that (Singaporeans) are not together with others. We will make special routes and signs.
“The e-visa service is also near completion and is planned to be operational on October 15. But we may still need to coordinate with the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises regarding Electronic Data Capture for credit card payments. debit or credit, “said Mr. Laoly.
READ: 5 things you need to know about the business travel pass
Foreigners who want to visit Indonesia via the green lane will need to apply for a visa and have a guarantor in Indonesia. The green lane would facilitate travel for entrepreneurs, skilled workers, investors or public officials.
Indonesia is also reviewing a law banning foreigners from entering the country, Laoly said Thursday, to allow essential travel between the two countries.
In April, the Indonesian government banned foreigners from entering the country to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, long-term pass holders are exempt.
Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan hosted a luncheon for Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on August 25, 2020 (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
A statement from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Aug. 25 said both sides are ready to begin discussions on a “reciprocal green lane” to allow essential travel to gradually resume.
Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan and his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi agreed that both countries should work closely together to strengthen public health cooperation, enhance economic growth and investments, deepen financial cooperation and facilitate safe travel, the statement said.
“Given the strong trade ties between Singapore and Indonesia, the two foreign ministers tasked officials to begin discussions on a ‘reciprocal green lane’ to allow essential travel to gradually resume in a way that safeguards health and safety. public safety in both countries. “
Singapore has been the largest investor in Indonesia for the past five years. Last month, President Joko Widodo expressed hope that both sides will have a reciprocal green lane right away, noting that it could pave the way for investments coming into Indonesia.
In the first quarter of 2020, Singapore was Indonesia’s top foreign investor, with a total of $ 2.7 billion in investments made, according to data from the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board.
An official wearing a protective mask to help stop the spread of a deadly virus that began in Wuhan, checks the passenger’s temperature at Batam International Port in Batam, Riau Island on January 28, 2020 (Photo: AFP / Sei Ratifa).
Mr. Laoly also said in his statement Thursday that special attention should be paid to health facilities in Batam, including having COVID-19 referral hospitals ready.
“Since there will be an entry point in Batam, we ask the Minister of Health and the Governor to ensure the availability of the health infrastructure in accordance with the COVID-19 procedure in Batam.
“In addition, (prepare) the referral hospitals so that if someone is identified as COVID-19 positive, they can be accepted by the health facilities recognized by both countries,” he said.
Singapore currently has reciprocal greenway agreements with China, Malaysia, Brunei, South Korea, and Japan. Indonesia has similar agreements with China, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
CHECK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments
Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the COVID-19 outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram
