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Latest Procedures & Requirements

All international travellers (foreign national) who will enter the territory of the Republic of Indonesia shall make readjustments with regards to their travel d documents, to ensure compliance with the provisions regarding categories of foreign nationals allowed to enter Indonesia.

The requirements for entering Indonesia for international travelers (foreign citizen) are as follows:
  1. Take possession of Proof of Vaccination or Vaccination Certificate (physical or digital).
  2. Download and make use of app of PeduliLindungi.
  3. There is no need to present a Negative proof of RT-PCR test.
  4. There is no need to present proof of health insurance.

VISA ON ARRIVAL

The cost of a Visa on Arrival (VOA): IDR 500,000 (approx. 35 USD) and can be paid in cash. Currency accepted in EUR, GBP, AUD, USD, SGD, and IDR.
PRE APPLY for your e-VOA https://www.imigrasi.go.id/en/e-voa/ 


Find Out More

We all know about the worldwide crisis coral reefs are facing on a day to day basis. From overfishing, pollution, climate change and chemical disruption via personal care products such as face wash and sunscreen. But some corals face an additional problem: being eaten by a giant seastar!

Crown of Thorns
Source: Matt Kieffer – Flickr

Outbreaks of Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS) pose a significant threat to coral reefs in the Indo-pacific region. According to the Living Ocean Foundation, these starfish often exceed 1,000 animals per hectare and are capable of destroying an entire reef system in a matter of weeks.

One way of being an ocean warrior and ensuring your decisions reflect best practice for our environment is choosing an eco-conscious travel operator. Making an effort to choose the most responsible marine tourism operators while travelling can help to preserve these delicate ecosystems.

Meridian Adventure Dive has been active in the removal of these little critters since our inception in 2017. Monthly expeditions ensure we remove these infestations and record the data for further research purposes.

Removal of COTS in Indonesia

It’s believed the seastars were introduced to the reef through the ballast water of passing cargo ships, and with few predators in Indonesian waters, they have thrived. COTS are known to grow up to half a metre wide and are the second largest starfish in the world. The Living Oceans Foundation also mentions that a single COTS can devour 10 square metres of coral a year. They truly have a significant appetite and can cause great havoc.

COTS Removal Programme in Raja Ampat

Another unknown fact about these predators of coral is that they are covered in venomous spines – making them notoriously difficult to remove which requires special gear such as gloves.

Meridian Adventure Dive, alongside other dive operators in the area, control and remove COTS where infestations occur – mitigating damage to the coral reefs.

COTS

How does it work?

 

COTS outbreaks have the potential to have a devastating impact on coastal communities across the region. Watch a quick video from the Khaled bin Sultan Living Ocean Foundation below:

Wherever you may be – ensure you ask your dive resort about invasive species and keep a look-out during your dives for infestations of 5-10 observed in any one traverse.

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