Batam Entrepreneurs Could Depart to Singapore, Two Countries Agree on Limited Access

Editor: Putri Larasati Anggiawan

TRIBUNBATAM.id, BATAM - The good news that has been waiting for seven months has finally come to light.

Indonesia and Singapore agreed to open the door of access for the two countries starting October 26, 2020.

This good news was announced directly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the two countries, Monday (12/10), following up the meeting of Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and her colleague, Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Singapore, 2 August.

Foreign Minister Retno said in Jakarta that opening the route for citizens to visit from the two countries was limited. In Indonesia it is called the Travel Corridor Arrangement (TCA) and in Singapore it is called a Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) or a reciprocal green lane.

This access is still limited to business visits and business trips with a number of strict requirements and protocols.

Reported by TRIBUNBATAM.id from The Straits Times, the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said that in a telephone conversation, the two Foreign Ministers stated that this agreement was based on "very good and long relations" between Singapore and Indonesia.

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They also returned to discussing discussions in early August this year about the importance of strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation to overcome the common challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This agreement to open access was initiated for certain important trips while maintaining public health and safety in both countries.

Indonesian citizens as well as Singaporean citizens and residents can visit within the RGL and MCA corridors.

Acting Mayor (Acting) Mayor of Batam, Syamsul Bahrum said he would schedule a meeting with the Singapore Consul General on Wednesday (14/10/2020) to discuss this matter.

"Although this access is only for urgent business, diplomatic and official affairs, and not yet for tourist travel, the opening of this access is a step forward," said Syamsul.

Syamsul and the Singapore Consul General will discuss operational technical guidelines related to this RGL or TCA.

After that, his party will immediately compile several important points to welcome the opening of the Batam-Singapore entrance.

The operational details or technical instructions regarding this RGL or TCA, including procedural requirements, health protocols, and technical implementation have not been detailed by the two countries.