Foreign arrivals in Indonesia plunge, visa exemption to be reviewed

The number of foreign travellers visiting Indonesia plunged by 87.44 percent year-on-year to 160,000 in April, reported the National Agency of Statistics of Indonesia.
Foreign arrivals in Indonesia plunge, visa exemption to be reviewed ảnh 1In Bali, Indonesia (Photo: AFP)
Jakarta (VNA) - The number of foreign travellers visiting Indonesiaplunged by 87.44 percent year-on-year to 160,000 in April, reported theNational Agency of Statistics of Indonesia.

Head of the agency Kecuk Suhariyanto said the figure in April slumped by66.02 percent month-on-month.

The agencyconceded that the tourism sector has been hit by the pandemic since February.

During awebinar held on June 2, Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)Bambang Soesatyo suggested the government review its visa exemption policy fortourists to prevent a massive spread of COVID-19 infections once the tourismsector reopens.

Indonesiamust strictly scrutinise foreign tourists and make sure they are free from thenovel coronavirus, he added.

The country welcomed 16.11 million foreign touristslast year, earning 20 billion USD in revenue, surpassing that of oil and gasindustry./.
VNA

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