Indonesia.id – The Indonesian government has announced the reopening of six international airports and three border crossings (PLBN) across Indonesia as it gradually lifts COVID-19 related restrictions.

COVID-19 task force spokesperson Wiku Adisasmito revealed on Wednesday (May 18) that six international airports in six provinces will reopen – not only to allow mobility, but also to support the hajj program which begins next month.

“[The reopening] aims to support the hajj operational program which will run from June 4 to August 15,” Adisasmito said, as reported by Antara.

The six airports are Sultan Iskandar Muda in Aceh, Minangkabau in West Sumatra, Sultan Mahmud Badarudin II in South Sumatra, Adi Sumarmo in Central Java, Syamsudin Noor in South Kalimantan and Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan in East Kalimantan.

Meanwhile, Nanga Badau, Motamasin and Wini, as well as the Skow dan Sota border posts in West Kalimantan, East Nusa Tenggara and Papua, respectively, will also reopen.

Indonesia has gradually lifted social restrictions in a nationwide effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. After waiving mandatory COVID testing for domestic travelers, earlier this week President Joko Widodo announced that mandatory PCR swab or antigen testing for foreign travelers would also be dropped for those who are fully vaccinated.

Therefore, from May 18, vaccinated travelers no longer need a COVID-19 test to enter Indonesia.

In addition, the president has also decided to allow the public not to use masks during outdoor activities.

“However, for activities in enclosed spaces and on public transport, masks should still be used,” he said.