Concerns Over Virus Resurgence Amid Push for Tourism Recovery

As the holiday season approaches, Indonesians are caught between optimism for much-needed tourism revenue and fears of a new COVID-19 surge. The government has decided to allow travel with certain restrictions, expecting nearly 20 million visitors to popular destinations like Java and Bali, even as experts warn of the risks.

Improved Situation but Lingering Concerns
After devastating spikes in infections and deaths in mid-2021, Indonesia has seen significant improvements. Yet, the country’s vaccination rate remains low compared to neighbours like Malaysia and Singapore. Only about 25% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated, leaving much of the population vulnerable, especially in rural areas with limited healthcare facilities.

Epidemiologist Dicky Budiman has highlighted that official COVID-19 figures may not capture the full picture, with studies suggesting a significant number of undetected cases. Widespread travel during the festive period could risk reversing recent progress.

Preventative Measures and Economic Necessities
To manage risks, the government cancelled the public holiday on Christmas Eve and is enforcing regulations such as requiring at least one vaccine dose and negative PCR tests for air travellers. President Joko Widodo has urged regional officials to regulate visitor flows, aiming to prevent overcrowding during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

While reopening Bali to some international travellers earlier this year has not yet caused a spike in cases, the number of foreign visitors remains low. Domestically, the balance between boosting the economy and managing public health continues to be a tightrope walk.

Vaccination Challenges and Endemic Outlook
Indonesia’s vaccination rollout initially progressed well in urban areas but has struggled in remote regions. Many unvaccinated individuals may have natural immunity from prior infections, but experts warn that immunity levels may not prevent future surges, particularly with the Delta variant still circulating.

Public health experts, including the Red Cross, emphasise the importance of maintaining strict health measures such as mask-wearing, physical distancing, and increased testing to mitigate risks. Meanwhile, the government remains determined to keep the economy moving while transitioning towards treating COVID-19 as an endemic disease.

Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy acknowledged the delicate balance: “Despite strict measures to control transmission, our economy must continue to move forward.”