Indonesia scraps traveller testing

Indonesia will remove testing requirement for fully-vaccinated overseas traveler, following its neighbors in easing entry restrictions as Southeast Asia moves past the worst of the omicron wave.

Wearing masks outdoors will be optional, as is now the case in countries such as Singapore and Malaysia, although they must still be worn in crowded outdoor areas, indoor activities and on public transport, President Joko Widodo said in a Tuesday speech.

Indonesia is set to keep its remaining virus restrictions until at least May 23, when the government will evaluate whether the rules are still needed. The curbs mostly set limits on capacity and opening hours.

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The government recently expanded its quarantine-free travel program to the rest of the country following a successful two-week trial of the program in Bali, Batam and Bintan islands.

Indonesia is set to host the Group of 20 summit this year. The country aims to use the flurry of meetings of officials from the world’s biggest economies to help revive tourism revenue in Bali and nearby islands.