Travel Restrictions to US Eased for Indonesia by CDC
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has eased travel recommendations for more than 110 countries and territories, including Japan just ahead of the Olympics. The CDC's new ratings, first reported by Reuters and posted on a CDC website on Monday, June 7, include 61 nations that were lowered from its highest "Level 4" rating that discouraged all travel, to recommending travel for fully vaccinated individuals, the agency confirmed the next day.
Indonesia is among the countries being lowered to “Level 3” from “Level 4.” The list also includes Honduras, Jordan, Libya, Panama, Poland, Denmark, and Malaysia.
An additional 50 countries and territories have been lowered to "Level 2" or "Level 1," a CDC spokeswoman said. Countries ranked lowest for Covid-19 risks now include Singapore, Israel, South Korea, Iceland, Belize, and Albania.
Among others listed at "Level 3," are France, Ecuador, the Philippines, South Africa, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Honduras, Hungary, and Italy.
Related links:
- https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2021/06/09/cdc-eases-travel-recommendations-on-some-110-countries-including-indonesia.html?utm_campaign=os&utm_source=mobile&utm_medium=ios
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html
Jakartans 18 and Above Now Eligible for Vaccine
The Jakarta provincial government can now administer vaccines to civilians aged 18 years and older, according to Minister of Health Circular Letter SR.02.04/II/1496/2021. In approving the expanded vaccination eligibility, the circular letter notes the high level of Covid-19 transmission in Jakarta, the limited scope of the current vaccination program, and the importance of the expanded vaccination due to Jakarta’s position as the country’s capital city and economic center.
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Offline Learning Trials Start in Jakarta
Trials for offline learning in 226 Jakarta schools began today, June 9. According to the Jakarta provincial education board, the trials will use 50 percent classroom capacity and three to four classroom hours daily, similar to the pilot program. Schools will use blended learning – 50:50 between distance learning and classroom learning. This first stage of trials will be conducted three days a week: Monday (Grades 4, 7, 10), Wednesday (Grades 5, 8, 11), and Friday (Grades 6, 9, 12).
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More Red Zones Emerge
The number of areas categorized as high transmission risk or red zones for Covid-19 in Indonesia has increased to 17. Some 12 are located in Sumatra, four in Java, and one in Nusa Tenggara Barat. The high-risk zones are:
Sumatra
- West Sumatra: Dharmasraya, Solok, Agam, Lima Puluh Kota
- Riau Province: Siak, Kuantan Singingi
- Riau Islands: Batam, Karimun
- Jambi: Tebo
- North Sumatra: Medan
- South Sumatra: Palembang
- Aceh: Banda Aceh
Java
- Central Java: Kudus, Tegal
- West Java: Ciamis, Western Bandung.
Nusa Tenggara Barat
- Sumbawa Island: Bima.
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Consumer Optimism Continues to Rise
Consumer optimism continues to improve, according to the Bank of Indonesia Consumer Survey (SK) conducted in May. This is reflected by the May 2021 Consumer Confidence Index (IKK) rating of 104.4, which increased from 101.5 in April. A value of less than 100 is considered pessimistic, and above 100 optimistic. The increase was driven by improved perceptions of job availability, income, and timeliness for purchasing durable goods.
Full survey results can be seen found in the Bank Indonesia website.
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May 2021 Foreign Exchange Reserves Dip Slightly
Indonesia had $136.4 billion in official foreign exchange reserves at the end of May, a slight fall from $138.8 in April 2021 due to the government’s external debt payments. The reserves are equivalent to the financing of 9.5 months of imports, or 9.1 months of imports, and repaying government external debt. Indonesia’s official reserve assets remain above the international adequacy standard of three months of imports.
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DPR and Government Agree on 2022 State Budget Economic Assumptions
The House of Representatives (through Commission XI) and the Indonesian government have agreed on a set of assumptions for economic and fiscal policies in 2022, which will be taken into account in formulating the 2022 state budget. Both parties agreed to set a target of Rp 1,499.3 trillion – Rp 1,528.7 trillion in state revenue for 2022.
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China and Indonesia to Establish Vaccine Production Center
The Indonesian and Chinese governments have agreed to continue their collaboration in Covid-19 vaccine development and production in a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. The meeting was held in Guiyang, China, on June 5. Wang Yi said China would help build a vaccine production center in Indonesia.
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AmCham Update is AmCham's regular newsletter on developments related to the pandemic crisis and other issues in Indonesia. It is edited by AmCham Managing Director A Lin Neumann and written by the AmCham Staff. Paul L Goddard is the Managing Editor
