Local News

3 domestic tourists arrested in Bali over fake PCR test results Hundreds of foreign nationals leave Bali amid coronavirus outbreak Hundreds of foreign nationals leave Bali amid coronavirus outbreak

Police in Denpasar have arrested three domestic tourists who were allegedly caught carrying fake PCR test results, as the province sees more visitors amid loosened COVID-19 Hundreds of foreigners departed Bali over the weekend, some with chartered flights organized by their respective Hundreds of foreigners departed Bali over the weekend, some with chartered flights organized by their respective restrictions. governments, following flight cancelations across the globe governments, following flight cancelations across the globe The tourists came from different parts of Indonesia, police said, identifying the amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The Ngurah Rai Immigration office said in a statement that over 200 foreigners, consisting mostly of German nationals, boarded a chartered German Airlines flight on Saturday headed for Frankfurt, while over 400 passengers consisting of mostly French amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The Ngurah Rai Immigration office said in a statement that over 200 foreigners, consisting mostly of German nationals, boarded a chartered German Airlines flight on Saturday headed for Frankfurt, while over 400 passengers consisting of mostly French suspects as MF nationals headed to France with Qatar Airways on the same nationals headed to France with Qatar Airways on the same from Jakarta, ACA from West Kalimantan, and LL day. In addition, Austrian Airlines also reportedly carried over 200 passengers back to Austria. day. In addition, Austrian Airlines also reportedly carried over 200 passengers back to Austria. from West Java. Foreign missions in Foreign missions in MF and ACA were arrested last Friday, whereas LL was arIndonesia have Indonesia have rested on Sunday. actively used social actively used social Indonesia previously implemented a mandatory PCR requirement on all domestic flights, but that has since been reversed as authorities now accept rapid antigen test results for air travel within Java and Bali. media to assist their respective citizens. As fewer flights become available media to assist their respective citizens. As fewer flights become available due to global travel due to global travel MF and ACA told authorities that they had acquired their restrictions, their restrictions, their fake test results from another person, who police are now investigating. Meanwhile, LL was found to have only taken a rapid antigen test, results of which she edited to show a PCR test result instead to meet the previous travel requirements. efforts include assisting those seeking to return home to find available flights. I Putu Surya Dharma, a spokesperson from the regional office for the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, efforts include assisting those seeking to return home to find available flights. I Putu Surya Dharma, a spokesperson from the regional office for the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, They have been charged with fraud under Indonesia’s Crimtold Nusa Bali yesterday that between March 1 and 26, told Nusa Bali yesterday that between March 1 and 26, inal Code (KUHP), which carries a maximum prison sentence of 12 years. (coconuts.co 02/11/2021) nearly 254,000 foreign tourists have left the island. However, the same period also recorded over 169,000 foreign tourists nearly 254,000 foreign tourists have left the island. However, the same period also recorded over 169,000 foreign tourists arriving in Bali, he added. Travelers from Australia, Russia arriving in Bali, he added. Travelers from Australia, Russia and the United States topped the list of visitors. and the United States topped the list of visitors. Last week, American and Australian citizens in Indonesia were Last week, American and Australian citizens in Indonesia were ordered to leave the country amid the novel coronavirus ordered to leave the country amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, wherein officials also cited evidence of Indonesia’s outbreak, wherein officials also cited evidence of Indonesia’s current medical capacity, among other things, to urge current medical capacity, among other things, to urge immediate action. Some foreigners have decided to extend immediate action. Some foreigners have decided to extend their stay in Indonesia, it seems, as evident by packed their stay in Indonesia, it seems, as evident by packed immigration offices across Bali last week. Indonesia’s immigration offices across Bali last week. Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration has swiftly responded to Directorate General of Immigration has swiftly responded to the spike in visa extension requests, and eligible foreigners the spike in visa extension requests, and eligible foreigners unable to return to their home countries due to COVID-19 unable to return to their home countries due to COVID-19 are being given an automatic extension for their stay are being given an automatic extension for their stay permits. (coconuts.com 01/04/2020) permits. (coconuts.com 01/04/2020)

Bali Authorities Instruct All Shops To Utilize The PeduliLindungi Tracing App As An Entry Requirement

Authorities from the Public Civil Service office have instructed all shops and supermarkets in Bali to start utilizing the PeduliLindungi tracing app as an entry requirement. During an operation to inspect the compliance of prevention protocols in many shops and other businesses in Denpasar on Friday (22/10), the Head of the Denpasar Public Civil Service, Dewa Sayoga stated that all businesses such as minimarkets, shopping malls, and supermarkets are required to install a PeduliLindungi tracing app’s QR code at their entrances. No Large-Scale Social Restrictions policy for Bali just Hundreds of Indonesian crew members flying “Every business that could potentially have yet, provincial government says in from Italy skip quarantine after testing negative for COVID-19 many visitors like shops and supermarkets are required to start utilizing the PeduliLindungi app as an entry requirement for their customers,” Sayoga said on Sunday The Bali provincial government says it has yet to consider imposing Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) policy, which requires approval from the central government, to curb the spread of COVID-19 here, claiming that it has already implemented similar steps to an extent. Over 300 Indonesian crew members from the MSC Splendida cruise ship reportedly did not undergo quarantine upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport despite having flown in from Genoa, Italy on Monday night. Officials said all of them tested negative for the novel coronavirus, after rapid tests that were conducted at the airport. (24/10). He also said that businesses that neglect this instruction will receive a fine from authorities. “This is one of our prevention steps to avoid Covid-19 transmissions from surging, so they must comply with this policy,” Sayoga added. Sayoga also reminds people to install the PeduliLindungi app on their cellphones, especially before visiting public Speaking to Kumparan yesterday, regional secretary of the Bali administration, Dewa Made Indra, said that the provincial “As soon as they arrived they were checked by officers from the Port Health Authority and followed with rapid tests. The results were negative and [they] didn’t have to be quarantined,” Ida Bagus Ngurah Arda, who heads Bali province’s Manpower Agency, told Kompas yesterday. There were 316 Indonesian crew members in total who boarded a flight with Qatar Airlines from Genoa to Denpasar, via Doha. places in Bali. “To end this pandemic is everyone’s responsibility, and not only the government’s. So I urge people to always follow our instructions and keep complying with prevention protocols.” Sayoga concluded. (thebalisuns. government is open to implementing PSBB, should risks of the novel coronavirus on the island continue to escalate and require a stricter approach. As reported by Kompas, the crew members had also com 01/11/2021) Local Bali Woman Arrested For Stealing Thousands Of Dollars From An Expat “Here in Bali we are already enforcing strict limitations. Substantially we have preceded this PSBB policy, but formally and according to the [new] government regulation of course we haven’t,” Indra said. undergone a health examination while in Genoa, after which they were declared healthy A 60-year-old local woman named Erni Harum Cahyani has PSBB is designed to limit mobility within a region,essentially and permitted to been arrested after stealing a large amount of money from imposing the same social distancing measures that have return to Indonesia. Italy is one of the countries hardest hit by a French expat. already been seen in parts of Indonesia affected by the viral the coronavirus pandemic, with over 105,000 confirmed disease, though this includes additional measures and cases and more than 12,000 deaths. Indonesians coming The Head of Denpasar Public Relations Officer, Iptu I Ketut stricter enforcement. from COVID-19 hot zones, which includes Italy, are subject Sukadi confirmed that Erni was arrested for stealing monto health screening by the Port Health Authority upon ey from a 73-year-old expat, Christian Moussier. The policy includes shuttering of all businesses and services arrival. Should authorities find that they are exhibiting except those deemed essential, and also banning appearly symptoms of COVID-19, they will be observed at a “The suspect who is originally from Bogor, West Java was based motorcycle taxis from picking up passengers, meangovernment facility for two weeks. On the other hand, arrested from her boarding house in Denpasar after 2 ing they are only allowed to transport goods and deliver those who do not exhibit early symptoms are advised to weeks of investigation.” Iptu Sukadi said on Sunday food to customers. self-quarantine for the same period. (31/10). Prior to the incident, Erna and Christian had arranged a date at a villa that is located in Ubud on SeptemThe official implementation requires regional governments Yesterday, Coordinating Human Development and Culture ber 27th 202, after getting to know each other through an to submit relevant data and reports regarding COVID-19 Minister Muhadjir Effendy urged Indonesians overseas to online dating app. spread in their area to the Health Ministry, among other stay in the countries in which they are living. The government things, which will assess them and decide on whether or not said there are no plans to arrange their repatriation, but that After meeting up and briefly visiting at the villa, they both to grant approval. The process has been criticized for being they will be provided with supplies. Indonesia is currently went to the Bintang Supermarket that is located in Ubud to buy groceries. When the victim paid the cashier using his debit card, the suspect apparently managed to see his pin number. Shortly after, when they were back at the villa, the suspect stole Christian’s debit card while he was asleep on the villa’s balcony. overly bureaucratic. Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, which has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, is set to become the country’s first region to officially enforce PSBB. As of this afternoon, the city reports 1,395 confirmed cases of the anticipating mass arrivals of Indonesians abroad, particularly those seeking to leave Malaysia as it enforces its movement control order (MCO), as well as crew members of international cruise ships looking to return home as some cruise lines halt their operations. For the latter, their return will likely be through Ngurah Rai, Muhadjir said, adding that there are The victim realized that his debit card was gone when he attempted to pay for his dinner in Ubud on Tuesday evening (28/9)..... Read more news at our website ... coronavirus, including 133 deaths and 69 recoveries. Bali, for its part, has so far reported 43 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 19 recoveries and two deaths of foreign nationals. (coconuts.com 07/04/2020) about 11,000 Indonesian crew members abroad. As of yesterday afternoon, Bali has recorded 19 positive COVID-19 cases. This includes two deaths of foreign nationals and four recoveries. (coconuts.com 01/04/2020)

JAKARTA - Indonesia will temporarily ban all visits and transits by foreign nationals to the country to curb the further spread of the coronavirus. “President (Joko) sees that our current policy needs to be made stricter. We have decided that all visits and transits by foreign nationals to Indonesia will temporarily be banned,” Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters after a virtual ministers’ meeting with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday (March 31). Exceptions to the ban include those with work permits as well as diplomats, Ms Retno added, stressing that proper health protocols will still apply. President Joko said before the ministers’ meeting that Indonesia is stepping up measures to limit mobility among its citizens within the country, but threats of coronavirus spread also come from overseas. Mr Joko pointed out specifically that the epicentres of the pandemic have shifted to the United States and Europe. In Indonesia, Jakarta is the epicentre of the country’s coronavirus crisis, accounting for nearly half of the 1,414 confirmed cases. There are 122 deaths from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in Indonesia so far, the highest in South-east Asia. Stay in the know with e-mail alerts. “Practically all nations have put in place limits ‘Completely free’: Heather Mack leaves prison, set for deportation. on the flow of travellers with varying (degree of) strictness depending on the respective situation and condition in each country,” Ms Retno said. Heather Mack, the American woman convicted with her boyfriend for the sadistic murder of her mother in Their policies have also impacted Indonesians living overseas, many of whom have recently returned home or are preparing to head 2014 in Bali, was freed from prison earlier today. home. According to Ms Retno, the two largest groups of homebound Mack served seven years of a 10-year sentence and is Indonesians are Indonesian migrant workers from Malaysia as well set for deportation to the United States. as Indonesians working as crews on cruise ships. “The inflow traffic from these two groups has been far larger than The notorious case had sent shockwaves throughout normal,” Ms Retno said. “In terms of size, the number of IndoneBali then. Mack, who was 19 years old and pregnant sians living and working in Malaysia exceeds 1 million. And there are at the time of the crime, had been found guilty of assisting in the murder that her boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer, committed. Schaefer got 18 years for killing Chicago socialite Sheila von Wiese-Mack and then stuffing the body in a suitcase at a luxury hotel on the island. Now 25 years old, Mack was granted early release for good behavior, the head of Kerobokan prison’s female section said. “Heather is completely free,” Lili said. “When she was released, she was a bit shocked and emotional. She hesitated and was scared, but we encouraged her.” Donning sunglasses and an orange prison vest, Mack

Russian man and Ukraine woman deported from Indonesia after forging PCR test results

Two foreign nationals who were arrested earlier this year in Bali for using fake PCR test results have been deported over the weekend, immigration officials confirmed. The foreigners, DA from Russia and OM from Ukraine, were deported almost eight months after they were arrested in Karangasem regency. “The two foreign nationals had been imprisoned in the Ka-

11,838 Indonesian crews working for 80 cruise ships, as per data gathered so far,” Ms Retno added. She said the government is implementing proper health protocols at airports, seaports, border check points on these returning countrymen. Mr Joko on Monday said Indonesia needs stronger measures to limit mobility after receiving reports that thousands of workers in Jakarta and its surrounding areas have returned to their home towns after losing most or all of their income amid the coronavirus outbreak. There have been concerns of a spread of infections as people from Jakarta, the epicentre of the country’s outbreak, return home. The government is preparing regulations that would make it possible for Jakarta and other coronavirus red zones to be put under an “area quarantine”, a term observers see as equivalent to a lockdown, which would stop flows of people going in and out. (straitstimes.com 01/04/2020) Local authorities in Bali are reporting hundreds of workers having lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 outbreak and its subsequent impacts on the tourism industry, while thousands more have been instructed to stay at home without pay. In Denpasar, as many as 2,975 workers were told to stay at home without pay while another 53 workers were laid off, the city’s spokesman Gede Rai told Kompas, adding that the workers were from 37 different companies. “It’s because there is a lack of guests and hotels are not operating,” Gede Rai said. For the time being, authorities in Denpasar are reportedly planning a social protection strategy for these workers, including through Indonesian government’s pre-employment cards, which was launched last month. The cards, which aim to aid job seekers and unemployed workers, grant them access and funding to various trainings. The numbers are even higher in Badung regency, where some of the island’s most popular hotels and restaurants are located. An official from the regency’s Industry and Manpower Agency told Tribun yesterday that 198 workers have been laid off as of April 4, most of whom were employed in the tourism sector.

Bali plans to hold Nyepi-like observance to curb COVID-19 spread

Bali province’s Majelis Desa Adat, or traditional village council, says there are plans to hold a Nyepi-like observance later this month as part of an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 on the island, with the final decision set to be announced tomorrow. The council’s chief, Ida Panglingsir Agung Putra Sukahet, told Tribun yesterday that nothing has been decided for the time being, as authorities would need to hold a meeting first. “We will decide on April 8. If it’s going to happen we will issue an official circular from the traditional village council,” Agung Putra was quoted as saying. The observance, locally referred to as sipeng, will only mandate that people stay at home for three consecutive days and will not follow the exact same rules as the Balinese Day of Silence, according to reports. Ordinarily, Nyepi encourages self-reflection by prohibiting activities such as lighting a fire, working, and traveling or going out, among others. The planned sipeng, however, would only prohibit people from leaving their homes. While official details have not been announced, news of sipeng quickly made its rounds on social media, showcasing divided opinions among local residents. Prompted by concerns over COVID-19, som e are supportive of the initiative, while others question how people are expected to meet their daily needs should the observance take place. “I agree, but it’s

Thousands of workers in Bali on unpaid leave, hundreds more laid off

“Everywhere [in Indonesia] is pretty much facing the same condition. We don’t know when this will end,” Ida Bagus Oka Dirga, who heads the agency, said. He added that in Badung, more than 6,000 workers from 78 companies have been instructed to stay at home and given between 50 to 70 percent of their minimum salary. “Right now, with the hotels empty, of course workers will burden the operational cost. That’s why they have instructed them to stay home. However, we do hope they won’t be laying off [these workers],” I Made Badra, who heads the Tourism Agency in Badung, told Tribun.

Bali hotels roll out cheap promos or shut to survive coronavirus outbreak

The Bali Hotel Association (BHA), whose members include general managers of over 100 four-star and five-star hotels and resorts in Bali, said that most accommodations and restaurants in Bali have opted to temporarily close for at least one month. “At this time, almost all hotels and restaurants in Bali are closed temporarily for one to two months, as we monitor the most up to date situation,” BHA chairman I Made Ricky Darmika Putra told state news agency Antara yesterday. Ricky also responded to circulating information that many hotels in Bali are up for sale, clarifying that those reports are false. In addition, he explained how hotels that are still open have less than 10 percent occupancy rates, while most restaurants have cut their operational hours short. Meanwhile, some other hotels are still seeking to attract potential customers, and are rolling out cheap promotions on long-term stays. One example is Lv8, a hotel located in Canggu, which offers a one-month stay fee starting from IDR8million (US$481). For perspective, the hotel’s normal daily rate ranges from IDR800K-1 million. (coconuts.com 07/04/2020)

JAKARTA - Indonesia will temporarily ban all visits and transits by foreign nationals to the country to curb the further spread of the coronavirus. “President (Joko) sees that our current policy needs to be made stricter. We have decided that all visits and transits by foreign nationals to Indonesia will temporarily be banned,” Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters after a virtual ministers’ meeting with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday (March 31). Exceptions to the ban include those with work permits as well as diplomats, Ms Retno added, stressing that proper health protocols will still apply. President Joko said before the ministers’ meeting that Indonesia is stepping up measures to limit mobility among its citizens within the country, but threats of coronavirus spread also come from overseas. Mr Joko pointed out specifically that the epicentres of the pandemic have shifted to the United States and Europe. In Indonesia, Jakarta is the epicentre of the country’s coronavirus crisis, accounting for nearly half of the 1,414 confirmed cases. There are 122 deaths from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in Indonesia so far, the highest in South-east Asia. Stay in the know with e-mail alerts. “Practically all nations have put in place limits on the flow of travellers with varying (degree of) strictness depending on the respective situation and condition in each country,” Ms Retno said. Their policies have also impacted Indonesians living overseas, many of whom have recently returned home or are preparing to head home. According to Ms Retno, the two largest groups of homebound Indonesians are Indonesian migrant workers from Malaysia as well as Indonesians working as crews on cruise ships. “The inflow traffic from these two groups has been far larger than normal,” Ms Retno said. “In terms of size, the number of Indonesians living and working in Malaysia exceeds 1 million. And there are 11,838 Indonesian crews working for 80 cruise ships, as per data gathered so far,” Ms Retno added. She said the government is implementing proper health protocols at airports, seaports, border check points on these returning countrymen. Mr Joko on Monday said Indonesia needs stronger measures to limit mobility after receiving reports that thousands of workers in Jakarta and its surrounding areas have returned to their home towns after losing most or all of their income amid the coronavirus outbreak. There have been concerns of a spread of infections as people important to inform the general public way ahead of the actual dates. So it doesn’t seem so abrupt.” “So will there be provision of food from the government?” “Those who have plenty of money from monthly salary have it good as they can simply stock up, but what can we do when we depend on daily income. If it were to happen for four days please think it further wisely.” As of yesterday afternoon, Bali confirmed eight additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the island’s total to 43. This includes 19 recoveries and two deaths of foreign nationals. (Coconuts.com 07/04/2020)

from Jakarta, the epicentre of the country’s outbreak, return home. The government is preparing regulations that would make it possible for Jakarta and other coronavirus red zones to be put under an “area quarantine”, a term observers see as equivalent to a lockdown, which would stop flows of people going in and out. Coordinating maritime affairs and investment minister Luhut Pandjaitan said in a video message on Tuesday that the government would take the decision within this week, stressing however Indonesia would use the term lockdown. Indonesia would also issue a presidential emergency decree that would allow the government to have an annual budget deficit of larger than 3 per cent – currently not allowed by the existing laws – so that it could spend more to deploy cash, especially to the poorest population in the country. This exemption would apply for three years, before a normal threshold of 3 per cent would be reinstalled for 2023 annual budget year. “(Finance Minister) Sri Mulyani is currently making her calculation. What if we give the bottom 40 per cent or 20 per cent direct cash handouts. It is being thoroughly calculated,” Mr Luhut said. President Joko said on Monday that over the past eight days alone, 876 buses had transported about 14,000 people in Greater Jakarta back to their home towns, mostly in West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta and East Java provinces. Others had taken the trains and ships home, he added. These are mostly daily-rated workers such as push-cart food sellers, in what is termed the informal sector of the economy. (straitstimes.com 01/04/2020)

Bali’s The Nusa Dua improves safety measures amid pandemic

State-owned enterprise Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) is implementing safety measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 at tourist destination The Nusa Dua in Bali. I Gusti Ngurah Ardita, managing director of The Nusa Dua, told Antara news agency that a letter had been sent to tenants, urging them to provide hand sanitizers and regularly spray disinfectant in public areas, including toilets, pray rooms, ATM booths and shuttle buses. “This is in accordance with a circular letter from Bali’s provincial administration on improving hygiene and sanitation to combat the virus,” he said. Tenants at The Nusa Dua are also required to check the temperature of all staff and visitors and to routinely clean their sites. A crisis center has been set up for guests, with services that include delivery to the nearest hospital and routine check-ups with health agencies. Ardita added that The Nusa Dua’s employees have been working from home from March 16, except for security and cleaning staff, who have been equipped with protective gear and follow physical distancing measures while on duty. As of March 26, the occupancy rate at The Nusa Dua had dropped 30.45 percent since February. “We hope the pandemic will end soon and tourism in Bali can improve,” said Ardita. On Tuesday, Bali declared a state of emergency by imposing stricter measures on visitors in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 as cases continue to climb with local transmission detected. With the status, the resort island will tighten checks at entrance gates and enforce a 14-day self-quarantine for all people entering the island. (thejakartapost.com 01/04/2020)

Denpasar mayor urges city residents to stay at home amid coronavirus outbreak

The Mayor of Denpasar yesterday urged the city’s residents to refrain from returning to their hometowns and stay at home instead, as part of an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Bali. “I am asking all residents living in Denpasar for the time being do not go anywhere, including to go to your hometown, stay at your respective homes [instead] to break the chain on COVID-19 spread,” , as quoted by state news agency Antara. Many of those who live in Denpasar hail from different parts of the island and even the country. With the social and physical distancing advisory in place and the option to return to their family homes might make sense financially, officials fear it might contribute to further spread of COVID-19. According to Denpasar government’s, there are currently 96 people under monitoring in the city, along with two patients under observation and two more who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Across Bali, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases stand at 10 as of yesterday afternoon, including two deaths of foreign nationals, while a total of 141 patients have been placed under observation, as per data from the provincial government.

President Joko Widodo has formally invited world leaders of G20 countries to Bali next year, as Indonesia assumes the G20 Presidency following the end of this year’s summit in Rome. At the closing event of the G20 Rome Summit last night, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi formally handed over the forum’s presidency to Jokowi, which was marked by a symbolic hitting of a gavel. “We will entertain all of you honorable ladies and gentlemen, in open space, on the beautiful beaches of Bali to inspire innovative ideas for the productivity of G20 in the future,” Jokowi said, according to an official statement. “See you in Indonesia.” Indonesia will host the G20 Summit on Oct. 30-31 in Bali next year. “Our success in breaking the chain of coronavirus spread requires discipline and cooperation from everyone, not only the government, but also the public in heeding the instructions and suggestions from officials,” Rai Mantra said. Last week, a nurse who tested positive for COVID-19 reportedly went home to Tabanan regency, prompting officials to trace her close contacts immediately.

The country aims to push for more cooperation with world economic recovery in mind, by adopting “Recover Together, Recover Stronger” as a theme during its presidency. (coconuts.co 02/11/2021) was handed to immigration officials to await deportation. It is not immediately clear when she would be flown back home, or whether Mack’s six-year-old daughter, who has been raised in a foster home in Bali, would also be deported together with the convict. Previously, Mack filed for her daughter to remain in Indonesia, as she did not want the child to be hounded by US media. (coconuts.co 01/11/2021) rangasem Prison for eight months,” Head of the Bali office for the Law and Human Rights Ministry, Jamaruli Manihuruk, said. In March, shortly after arriving at Padangbai port from Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), health officers found questionable details about the test results DA and OM presented upon arrival. The dates on the papers did not match their trip that day, and it was later confirmed that the Bali hospital named on the documents did not actually issue the test results. DA and OM were deemed to have violated Indonesia’s Criminal Code (KUHP) for using a forged statement and were sent to Karangasem Prison. Their deportation on Oct. 30, Jamaruli said, is because both DA and OM also violated Indonesia’s immigration law. “The two have also violated health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. So this deportation is an enforcement of immigration laws,” Jamaruli said. (coconuts.co 01/11/2021)

PCR Test Prices Reduced To Support Bali Tourism

Officials from the Bali Health Agency have announced that the price of PCR tests in all medical laboratories in Bali has been reduced. The Head of Bali Health Agency, Dr. I Ketut Suarjaya confirmed that in accordance with the Indonesian Minister’s Decree Number HK.02.02/I/3843/2021, the central government has officially reduced PCR test prices in Bali and Java from the previous USD 33.50 (IDR 475,000) to USD 19 (IDR 275,000). Suarjaya also said that authorities have forbidden the medical facilities that provide the PCR test services from increasing the set price. “There will be no problem if any medical facility that sells the PCR tests below the set price to their customers. But

we legally fine those that attempt to sell them at a higher price.” Dr. Suarjaya said Wednesday (27/10). He explained that any offenders will potentially lose permission to practice and medically treat patients if they get caught by the authorities. Several days prior, Suarjaya admitted that he had warned multiple laboratories that attempted to advertise their PCR test services through their social media with expensive rates in order to receive an immediate profit. However, this new PCR test rate will not be applicable for tracing and testing programs that are conducted by the government.