Durian. Indonesian and Singaporean governments on Oct.12 have agreed to apply travel corridor arrangement (TCA) for essential business purposes which will be applied on Oct.26, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said in Jakarta.
In Singapore, the travel corridor arrangement is known as reciprocal green lane (RGL).
Indonesia previously has reached similar deal with United Arab Emirates on July 29, South Korea on August 17 and China on August 20.
“TCA will only apply for essential business, diplomatic and urgent official trips. Therefore, TCA will not be imposed for regular or tourism trips,” Minister Marsudi said.
TAC applicants from Indonesia must have sponsorship from government agency and from enterprises in Singapore as well as using safe travel pass, the senior Indonesian diplomat said.
While for applicants in Singapore, they must have sponsorship from government/business entity in Indonesia as well requesting visa to Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration online.
There are only two entry and exit points for TCA in both countries – Batam Center Ferry Terminal in Batam Island and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia side, while Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and Changi Airport in Singapore.
Travel corridor arrangement is a solution to overcome travel obstacles during pandemic covid-19. It’s a bilateral arrangement.
Due to the pandemic, health protocol still applies for those who want to travel to and from the two countries where two times polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests – pre-departure and arrival – will be required, Marsudi explained.
Only result PCR tests from mutually recognized healthcare institutions will be accepted. Government of the countries will announce the name of recognized healthcare institutions later before the implementation of the agreement.
Later, eligible travelers from Indonesia must register to Singapore’s Trace Together and SafeEntry apps. For eligible travelers from Singapore must register to Indonesia’s e-HAC and PeduliLindungi apps.
