22 May 2022
Australian voters deliver strong message on climate, ending conservative government's 9-year rule
By: Hilary Whiteman
Brisbane, Australia (CNN) Australian voters have delivered a sharp rebuke to the center-right government, ending nine years of conservative rule, in favor of the center-left opposition that promised stronger action on climate change.
Australian Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese claimed victory Saturday, though it was unclear as counting continued if his party would have the 76 seats required to form a majority.
Early counting showed a strong swing towards Greens candidates and Independents who demanded emissions cuts far above the commitments made by the ruling conservative coalition.
Amanda McKenzie, CEO of the research group the Climate Council, declared climate action the winner of the vote.
"Millions of Australians have put climate first. Now, it's time for a radical reset on how this great nation of ours acts upon the climate challenge," she said in a statement.
Other than climate, this election focused on the character of the leaders. Incumbent Scott Morrison. was deeply unpopular with voters and seemed to acknowledge as much when he admitted during the last week of the campaign that he had been a "bit of a bulldozer." He was referring to making hard decisions during the pandemic and severing a submarine deal with France, but it reflected claims about his leadership style as being more authoritarian than collaborative.
Speaking to his supporters late Saturday night, Morrison said he had called Albanese and congratulated him on his election victory. "I've always believed in Australians and their judgment, and I've always been prepared to accept their verdict," he said.
Just before midnight, Albanese walked out to to cheers from his supporters and said he would seek to unite the nation. "I will work every day to bring Australians together. And I will lead a government worthy of the people of Australia."
He added: "I can promise all Australians this no matter how you voted today, the government I lead will respect every one of you every day."
https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/21/australia/australia-election-results-morrison-albanese-intl-hnk/index.html
09 May 2022
PPKM All Indonesia Ends Today
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia -- The implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) based on levels to deal with the corona virus (Covid-19) pandemic both in the Java-Bali and outside Java-Bali areas ends today, Monday (9/5).
The previous PPKM Java-Bali was valid for three weeks or started last April 19, while PPKM in areas outside Java-Bali which only started on April 26 and is valid for two weeks until May 9, 2022.
In the Java-Bali PPKM three weeks ago, no area was included in the level four PPKM category. There are only 2 regencies/cities at level three, level two areas totaling 97 regencies/cities, and level one regions totaling 29 regencies/cities.
Meanwhile, in PPKM outside Java-Bali which took effect two weeks ago, the number of regions at level 1 increased from the previous 84 regions to 131 regions. Meanwhile, the number of regions at level 2 from the previous 259 regions fell to 216 regions.
A similar decrease in level occurred in PPKM Level 3 areas from the previous 43 regions to 39 regions. The government also noted that there were no regions outside Java-Bali that had entered PPKM level 4 in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, based on data compiled from the government's daily report, there has been a downward trend in positive confirmed cases of Covid-19 and cases of Covid-19 deaths in the last three weeks. The decline also occurred until D+7 Eid al-Fitr 1433 H.
It was recorded that during the April 18-24 period, the cumulative number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in a week was 4,277 cases. Meanwhile, in the period from April 25 to May 1, the weekly addition of Covid-19 cases decreased to 2,890 cases. And it decreased again in the third week or the period of May 2-8 to 1,391 cases.
A similar decline occurred in the number of deaths due to Covid-19. During the 18-24 April period, the cumulative number of Covid-19 deaths in Indonesia was 234. Then in the period from April 25 to May 1, weekly cases of deaths decreased to 173 cases, and fell again on May 2-8 with 108 cases.
https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20220509071318-20-794350/ppkm-seluruh-indonesia-berakhir-hari-ini/amp#origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&prerenderSize=1&visibilityState=visible&paddingTop=32&p2r=0&csi=1&aoh=16520734527938&viewerUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Famp%2Fs%2Fwww.cnnindonesia.com%2Fnasional%2F20220509071318-20-794350%2Fppkm-seluruh-indonesia-berakhir-hari-ini%2Famp&history=1&storage=1&cid=1&cap=navigateTo%2Ccid%2CfullReplaceHistory%2Ceducation%2Cfragment%2CreplaceUrl%2CiframeScroll
The previous PPKM Java-Bali was valid for three weeks or started last April 19, while PPKM in areas outside Java-Bali which only started on April 26 and is valid for two weeks until May 9, 2022.
In the Java-Bali PPKM three weeks ago, no area was included in the level four PPKM category. There are only 2 regencies/cities at level three, level two areas totaling 97 regencies/cities, and level one regions totaling 29 regencies/cities.
Meanwhile, in PPKM outside Java-Bali which took effect two weeks ago, the number of regions at level 1 increased from the previous 84 regions to 131 regions. Meanwhile, the number of regions at level 2 from the previous 259 regions fell to 216 regions.
A similar decrease in level occurred in PPKM Level 3 areas from the previous 43 regions to 39 regions. The government also noted that there were no regions outside Java-Bali that had entered PPKM level 4 in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, based on data compiled from the government's daily report, there has been a downward trend in positive confirmed cases of Covid-19 and cases of Covid-19 deaths in the last three weeks. The decline also occurred until D+7 Eid al-Fitr 1433 H.
It was recorded that during the April 18-24 period, the cumulative number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in a week was 4,277 cases. Meanwhile, in the period from April 25 to May 1, the weekly addition of Covid-19 cases decreased to 2,890 cases. And it decreased again in the third week or the period of May 2-8 to 1,391 cases.
A similar decline occurred in the number of deaths due to Covid-19. During the 18-24 April period, the cumulative number of Covid-19 deaths in Indonesia was 234. Then in the period from April 25 to May 1, weekly cases of deaths decreased to 173 cases, and fell again on May 2-8 with 108 cases.
https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20220509071318-20-794350/ppkm-seluruh-indonesia-berakhir-hari-ini/amp#origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&prerenderSize=1&visibilityState=visible&paddingTop=32&p2r=0&csi=1&aoh=16520734527938&viewerUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Famp%2Fs%2Fwww.cnnindonesia.com%2Fnasional%2F20220509071318-20-794350%2Fppkm-seluruh-indonesia-berakhir-hari-ini%2Famp&history=1&storage=1&cid=1&cap=navigateTo%2Ccid%2CfullReplaceHistory%2Ceducation%2Cfragment%2CreplaceUrl%2CiframeScroll
04 May 2022
‘Hunger Games situation’: Rental vacancies at record lows as tenants do it tough
Written by: Melissa Heagney
Tenants are facing tough competition for a rental across the country, with Australia’s vacancy rate remaining at an all-time low in April, new data shows, as rents rise at the same time.
The national vacancy rate remained at 1 per cent after reaching the record low in March, Domain’s latest Rental Vacancy Report revealed.
It is down by almost a percentage point since April last year, when tenants were kept out of the Australian rental market due to COVID-19 border closures.
But property managers, including those in Sydney and Melbourne, say the market has changed from “night to day” this year, as demand is added from international students returning to school and local workers returning to the office.
Sydney recorded its lowest ever vacancy rate of 1.4 per cent, down by almost half since April last year, while Melbourne’s beleaguered rental market also showed further signs of improvement with the rate falling to 1.7 per cent, down from a massive 4 per over the same time period.
Other capitals saw vacancy rates rise marginally or remain steady in April, still proving incredibly difficult for prospective tenants.
Adelaide’s 0.3 per cent was the tightest vacancy rate in the country, while Hobart’s 0.4 per cent and Darwin’s 0.5 per cent were also tight. Perth sat at 0.6 per cent and Brisbane and Canberra recorded a 0.7 per cent vacancy rate over the month.
https://www.domain.com.au/news/hunger-games-situation-rental-vacancies-at-record-lows-as-tenants-do-it-tough-2-1135945/
Tenants are facing tough competition for a rental across the country, with Australia’s vacancy rate remaining at an all-time low in April, new data shows, as rents rise at the same time.
The national vacancy rate remained at 1 per cent after reaching the record low in March, Domain’s latest Rental Vacancy Report revealed.
It is down by almost a percentage point since April last year, when tenants were kept out of the Australian rental market due to COVID-19 border closures.
But property managers, including those in Sydney and Melbourne, say the market has changed from “night to day” this year, as demand is added from international students returning to school and local workers returning to the office.
Sydney recorded its lowest ever vacancy rate of 1.4 per cent, down by almost half since April last year, while Melbourne’s beleaguered rental market also showed further signs of improvement with the rate falling to 1.7 per cent, down from a massive 4 per over the same time period.
Other capitals saw vacancy rates rise marginally or remain steady in April, still proving incredibly difficult for prospective tenants.
Adelaide’s 0.3 per cent was the tightest vacancy rate in the country, while Hobart’s 0.4 per cent and Darwin’s 0.5 per cent were also tight. Perth sat at 0.6 per cent and Brisbane and Canberra recorded a 0.7 per cent vacancy rate over the month.
https://www.domain.com.au/news/hunger-games-situation-rental-vacancies-at-record-lows-as-tenants-do-it-tough-2-1135945/
13 April 2022
Thousands of Units Handed Over, This Apartment Sets a Record
Writer: Wahyu Ardiyanto
RumahCom – Agung Sedayu and Salim Group as the developer of Tokyo Riverside Apartment PIK 2 have successfully handed over 1,595 apartment units. This achievement was finally rewarded by the MURI record for the most apartment handovers in one month.
The completion of the project to the unit handover process is tangible evidence that is felt directly by consumers and investors. Therefore, a good developer will continue to encourage the progress of his project to pursue a predetermined time schedule so that the project can run well according to plan.
Developers Agung Sedayu Group and Salim Group encourage the handover of their apartment projects to be handed over on a large scale (bulky) at Tokyo Riverside Apartment located in the Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) 2 area in the development of New Jakarta City as a result of the development of the two companies.
Not just units, tens, even hundreds, since the end of March 2022, Tokyo Riverside Apartment has directly handed over 1,595 units to consumers and will continue to do so. This achievement made Tokyo Riverside Apartment won the Indonesian Record Museum (MURI) record as the handover of the most apartment units in one month.
According to Deputy Director of MURI Osmar Semesta Susilo, MURI really appreciates the achievement of the handover of up to thousands of units in one month and this proves that the Covid-19 pandemic does not prevent us from doing business well.
"Hopefully the success that can be achieved for this apartment project can be an inspiration and a whip for other companies to continue to work and be able to carry out the entire project process to carry out the handover properly," he said.
Ishak S. Lopung, Strata & High Rise Management General Manager of Tokyo Riverside Apartment said, there are two towers, namely Akihabara and Beppu which began to be handed over in March following Chikusei and Dotonburi Towers which were also handed over in April 2022.
"With this good progress, we continue to schedule the handover process for the other towers, namely Edogawa and Fuji. We also thank all supporters and especially consumers who have supported and participated, especially for this handover activity," he said.
Tokyo Riverside Apartment is conceptualized as a Japanese-style residence that provides various facilities such as a club house, retail area, Tokyo Market, and Tokyo Hub. Currently, another product is being prepared, namely Sapporo Residences, which is offered with prices starting at Rp. 1.8 billion. The Japanese concept is presented because it has a great interest with a compact design and adapts to urban needs.
https://www.rumah.com/berita-properti/2022/4/204522/ribuan-unit-diserahterimakan-apartemen-ini-catat-rekor
RumahCom – Agung Sedayu and Salim Group as the developer of Tokyo Riverside Apartment PIK 2 have successfully handed over 1,595 apartment units. This achievement was finally rewarded by the MURI record for the most apartment handovers in one month.
The completion of the project to the unit handover process is tangible evidence that is felt directly by consumers and investors. Therefore, a good developer will continue to encourage the progress of his project to pursue a predetermined time schedule so that the project can run well according to plan.
Developers Agung Sedayu Group and Salim Group encourage the handover of their apartment projects to be handed over on a large scale (bulky) at Tokyo Riverside Apartment located in the Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) 2 area in the development of New Jakarta City as a result of the development of the two companies.
Not just units, tens, even hundreds, since the end of March 2022, Tokyo Riverside Apartment has directly handed over 1,595 units to consumers and will continue to do so. This achievement made Tokyo Riverside Apartment won the Indonesian Record Museum (MURI) record as the handover of the most apartment units in one month.
According to Deputy Director of MURI Osmar Semesta Susilo, MURI really appreciates the achievement of the handover of up to thousands of units in one month and this proves that the Covid-19 pandemic does not prevent us from doing business well.
"Hopefully the success that can be achieved for this apartment project can be an inspiration and a whip for other companies to continue to work and be able to carry out the entire project process to carry out the handover properly," he said.
Ishak S. Lopung, Strata & High Rise Management General Manager of Tokyo Riverside Apartment said, there are two towers, namely Akihabara and Beppu which began to be handed over in March following Chikusei and Dotonburi Towers which were also handed over in April 2022.
"With this good progress, we continue to schedule the handover process for the other towers, namely Edogawa and Fuji. We also thank all supporters and especially consumers who have supported and participated, especially for this handover activity," he said.
Tokyo Riverside Apartment is conceptualized as a Japanese-style residence that provides various facilities such as a club house, retail area, Tokyo Market, and Tokyo Hub. Currently, another product is being prepared, namely Sapporo Residences, which is offered with prices starting at Rp. 1.8 billion. The Japanese concept is presented because it has a great interest with a compact design and adapts to urban needs.
https://www.rumah.com/berita-properti/2022/4/204522/ribuan-unit-diserahterimakan-apartemen-ini-catat-rekor
24 March 2022
Singapore to reopen borders to all fully vaccinated travellers on Apr 1; existing VTLs will be retired
Written by: Vanessa Lim
SINGAPORE: Singapore will reopen its borders to all fully vaccinated travellers, removing all existing vaccinated travel lanes (VTL) and unilateral opening arrangements from Apr 1, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore announced on Thursday (Mar 24).
Instead, it will transition to a new simplified travel framework - the vaccinated travel framework - where countries and regions will be classified into two categories - general travel or the restricted category.
Under the framework, all fully vaccinated travellers, as well as children aged 12 and below, will be able to enter Singapore with just a pre-departure COVID-19 test from 11.59pm on Mar 31.
They will also no longer need to apply for entry approvals or take designated VTL transport to enter Singapore quarantine-free. In addition, there will be no more quotas on the number of daily arrivals.
While they will continue to be subjected to a pre-departure test within two days before departure for Singapore, they will not be required to serve a stay-home notice or undergo an unsupervised antigen rapid test (ART) after arriving in Singapore.
As for long-term pass-holders and short-term visitors aged 13 and above who are not fully vaccinated, they are generally not allowed to enter Singapore, with a few exceptions. This includes long-term pass-holders who are medically ineligible for vaccines as well as those who have valid entry approval such as compassionate reasons.
For this group, they will be required to take a pre-departure test within two days before departure for Singapore, undergo a seven-day stay-home notice, and take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test after their isolation period.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-reopen-borders-all-fully-vaccinated-travellers-apr-1-existing-vtls-will-be-retired-2582986?cid=internal_sharetool_androidphone_24032022_cna
SINGAPORE: Singapore will reopen its borders to all fully vaccinated travellers, removing all existing vaccinated travel lanes (VTL) and unilateral opening arrangements from Apr 1, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore announced on Thursday (Mar 24).
Instead, it will transition to a new simplified travel framework - the vaccinated travel framework - where countries and regions will be classified into two categories - general travel or the restricted category.
Under the framework, all fully vaccinated travellers, as well as children aged 12 and below, will be able to enter Singapore with just a pre-departure COVID-19 test from 11.59pm on Mar 31.
They will also no longer need to apply for entry approvals or take designated VTL transport to enter Singapore quarantine-free. In addition, there will be no more quotas on the number of daily arrivals.
While they will continue to be subjected to a pre-departure test within two days before departure for Singapore, they will not be required to serve a stay-home notice or undergo an unsupervised antigen rapid test (ART) after arriving in Singapore.
As for long-term pass-holders and short-term visitors aged 13 and above who are not fully vaccinated, they are generally not allowed to enter Singapore, with a few exceptions. This includes long-term pass-holders who are medically ineligible for vaccines as well as those who have valid entry approval such as compassionate reasons.
For this group, they will be required to take a pre-departure test within two days before departure for Singapore, undergo a seven-day stay-home notice, and take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test after their isolation period.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-reopen-borders-all-fully-vaccinated-travellers-apr-1-existing-vtls-will-be-retired-2582986?cid=internal_sharetool_androidphone_24032022_cna
23 March 2022
Calm down... VAT Rises, House Prices Not Sure
Writer: Emir Yanwardhana, CNBC Indonesia
Jakarta - The planned increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) to 11% from 10% as of April has not affected house prices. According to the Country Manager of Rumah.com, Marine Novita, this is because there is still an incentive for VAT borne by the government (VAT DTP) which is valid until September 2022.
"Even though the VAT has been added to 11 percent, we are still given a 50 percent discount. Now that doesn't apply until September 2022. Later it should be after September or so until September we don't pay 11 percent, so around 6 percent. Because we still have purchase incentives," he said. Marine in the Rumah.com webinar, Wednesday (23/3/2022).
The VAT incentive for DTP itself is given at 50% for house sales with a maximum of IDR 2 billion, and 25% for sales of houses with prices above IDR 2-5 billion. This is stated in the Regulation of the Minister of Finance (PMK) Number 6/PMrK.010/22 concerning Value Added Tax on the Delivery of Landed Houses and Flats Borne by the Government for Fiscal Year 2022.
The amount of incentives has also been reduced from 2021. Where the previous year's house and apartment tax discount was 100% for residential with a price of up to IDR 2 billion, and 50% for property at a price of IDR 2 - 5 billion.
In addition, Marine sees that the interest in landed houses is still the highest at the moment, apartments. According to survey figures, more than 70% of housing seekers are still looking for landed houses. Even though as of September after the DTP VAT incentive runs out, the developer will adjust the price.
"Developers will adjust prices for this 1% increase. But landed houses are still far from the advantage of apartments. Landed houses have good prospects from marketers and demand," said Marine.
https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20220323114918-4-325232/tenangppn-naik-harga-rumah-belum-tentu
Jakarta - The planned increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) to 11% from 10% as of April has not affected house prices. According to the Country Manager of Rumah.com, Marine Novita, this is because there is still an incentive for VAT borne by the government (VAT DTP) which is valid until September 2022.
"Even though the VAT has been added to 11 percent, we are still given a 50 percent discount. Now that doesn't apply until September 2022. Later it should be after September or so until September we don't pay 11 percent, so around 6 percent. Because we still have purchase incentives," he said. Marine in the Rumah.com webinar, Wednesday (23/3/2022).
The VAT incentive for DTP itself is given at 50% for house sales with a maximum of IDR 2 billion, and 25% for sales of houses with prices above IDR 2-5 billion. This is stated in the Regulation of the Minister of Finance (PMK) Number 6/PMrK.010/22 concerning Value Added Tax on the Delivery of Landed Houses and Flats Borne by the Government for Fiscal Year 2022.
The amount of incentives has also been reduced from 2021. Where the previous year's house and apartment tax discount was 100% for residential with a price of up to IDR 2 billion, and 50% for property at a price of IDR 2 - 5 billion.
In addition, Marine sees that the interest in landed houses is still the highest at the moment, apartments. According to survey figures, more than 70% of housing seekers are still looking for landed houses. Even though as of September after the DTP VAT incentive runs out, the developer will adjust the price.
"Developers will adjust prices for this 1% increase. But landed houses are still far from the advantage of apartments. Landed houses have good prospects from marketers and demand," said Marine.
https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20220323114918-4-325232/tenangppn-naik-harga-rumah-belum-tentu
15 March 2022
On board the first flight to Bali as quarantine-free travel reopened to Australia
By A Current Affair Staff, Chanel 9 News
A Current Affair joined the first flight over to Bali from Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport as quarantine-free travel reopened to Aussies.
Melbourne resident Keith Baker was among those who boarded the first Jetstar flights to Depensar in two years.
"I love it and I'm going to go stay there for six months to a year now and see what happens and sell my house up," Mr Baker told A Current Affair.
"They like to look after you, you know what I mean, and that's why I like to be here."
Sandy Hollingworth from Ballarat couldn't wait to get back either.
"I love the Balinese people, always have. I think they're beautiful people," Ms Hollingworth said.
"You can go and lay in the beach, the pool, but the Balinese people make you feel better."
The holiday island, which relies economically on tourism, has taken an absolute battering over the past few years. While Bali has been a well-known destination for Australian tourists and schoolies, it's now a completely different place after taking a hit from the COVID-19 pandemic.
But while travel has restarted again this week, so far it's still been a little quiet.
"Very different, there's obviously a lot closed and everything but yeah it's pretty quiet," Ruby from Victoria's Mornington Peninsula said.
The Bintangs are cold, but the bars are still empty. Although there are tourists arriving there are barely any Australians there yet.
Among some of the first Aussies to arrive were social media stars and self-proclaimed "influencers" Erin James, Bailey Scarlett and Christie Lucic, who travel the world for the perfect shot.
"I'm just excited for my first holiday without my parents ... I think 'yeah ... first time without my parents' so I think it's going be very interesting," Ms Lucic said.
"Hopefully we all stay nice and safe … and (we) don't get into any trouble."
"But we will run amok," Ms James said.
While there are fewer tourists, the beaches from Nusa Dua to Kuta appear to be cleaner than usual .
Looking at the once-bustling party strips it's clear Bali has suffered because of the loss of international tourism.
There are for lease signs everywhere and many businesses have closed.
Bali-based chef Kieran Morland, who is originally from Melbourne, said it's been "pretty crazy … especially around Seminyak where our restaurants are such a touristy … place".
He said in the space of a week every single tourist left and "it's kind of been a ghost town for the past two years basically".
He now wants more holidaymakers to choose Bali as their travel destination.
"Come back and enjoy, there's such a large area of Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, at the moment it's a bit abandoned so it needs Aussies back," Mr Morland said.
Despite quarantine requirements being lifted for Australians, there are still rules in place.
Travellers will need to have a PCR test 48 hours before their departure time and another one on arrival, but those tests can be organised at the airport. Visitors will also need to take a PCR test on day three of their stay in Bali.
But those rules will likely be relaxed further in the coming weeks and as more tourists return, the island should soon start to look more like its bustling old self.
While flights from Melbourne to Bali have resumed, flights from Sydney and Perth will resume next month, and from Brisbane in March.
https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/coronavirus-australians-travel-to-bali-on-board-first-quarantine-free-jestar-flights/00a22569-edf1-4c19-ac6b-fecce62517c8
A Current Affair joined the first flight over to Bali from Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport as quarantine-free travel reopened to Aussies.
Melbourne resident Keith Baker was among those who boarded the first Jetstar flights to Depensar in two years.
"I love it and I'm going to go stay there for six months to a year now and see what happens and sell my house up," Mr Baker told A Current Affair.
"They like to look after you, you know what I mean, and that's why I like to be here."
Sandy Hollingworth from Ballarat couldn't wait to get back either.
"I love the Balinese people, always have. I think they're beautiful people," Ms Hollingworth said.
"You can go and lay in the beach, the pool, but the Balinese people make you feel better."
The holiday island, which relies economically on tourism, has taken an absolute battering over the past few years. While Bali has been a well-known destination for Australian tourists and schoolies, it's now a completely different place after taking a hit from the COVID-19 pandemic.
But while travel has restarted again this week, so far it's still been a little quiet.
"Very different, there's obviously a lot closed and everything but yeah it's pretty quiet," Ruby from Victoria's Mornington Peninsula said.
The Bintangs are cold, but the bars are still empty. Although there are tourists arriving there are barely any Australians there yet.
Among some of the first Aussies to arrive were social media stars and self-proclaimed "influencers" Erin James, Bailey Scarlett and Christie Lucic, who travel the world for the perfect shot.
"I'm just excited for my first holiday without my parents ... I think 'yeah ... first time without my parents' so I think it's going be very interesting," Ms Lucic said.
"Hopefully we all stay nice and safe … and (we) don't get into any trouble."
"But we will run amok," Ms James said.
While there are fewer tourists, the beaches from Nusa Dua to Kuta appear to be cleaner than usual .
Looking at the once-bustling party strips it's clear Bali has suffered because of the loss of international tourism.
There are for lease signs everywhere and many businesses have closed.
Bali-based chef Kieran Morland, who is originally from Melbourne, said it's been "pretty crazy … especially around Seminyak where our restaurants are such a touristy … place".
He said in the space of a week every single tourist left and "it's kind of been a ghost town for the past two years basically".
He now wants more holidaymakers to choose Bali as their travel destination.
"Come back and enjoy, there's such a large area of Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, at the moment it's a bit abandoned so it needs Aussies back," Mr Morland said.
Despite quarantine requirements being lifted for Australians, there are still rules in place.
Travellers will need to have a PCR test 48 hours before their departure time and another one on arrival, but those tests can be organised at the airport. Visitors will also need to take a PCR test on day three of their stay in Bali.
But those rules will likely be relaxed further in the coming weeks and as more tourists return, the island should soon start to look more like its bustling old self.
While flights from Melbourne to Bali have resumed, flights from Sydney and Perth will resume next month, and from Brisbane in March.
https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/coronavirus-australians-travel-to-bali-on-board-first-quarantine-free-jestar-flights/00a22569-edf1-4c19-ac6b-fecce62517c8
10 March 2022
In addition to Bali, foreign travellers can now enter Indonesia’s Bintan and Batam without quarantine
Indonesia will need to discuss with Singapore regarding how these new protocols could be synchronised with existing VTL procedures, says the tourism chief of the Riau Islands.
Writer: Kiki Siregar
JAKARTA: Foreign travellers can now enter the Indonesian islands of Bintan and Batam without quarantine, in addition to Bali.
According to an Indonesia COVID-19 task force circular issued on Tuesday (Mar 8), travellers from abroad can enter via Batam’s Hang Nadim Airport, Batam Port, Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport in Tanjung Pinang, Bintan Port and Tanjung Pinang Port.
Among the task force’s duties include regulating travel health protocols amid the pandemic.
To be eligible, travellers must be fully vaccinated and show a negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test taken 48 hours before departure, the circular wrote.
Foreign travellers must also have a valid visa and show payment of a tourism package or hotel in Batam or Bintan. They also need to have health insurance which covers COVID-19 treatment worth S,000.
Upon arrival, tourists will need to undergo an RT-PCR test and have a negative result.
During their stay, they must also use Indonesia’s COVID-19 tracing app PeduliLindungi.
Travellers have to take a swab test again on the third day and if it is negative, they may proceed to visit other parts of Indonesia the next day.
However, they will need to adhere to health protocols such as wearing a mask that has at least three layers, keeping a 1.5m distance from other people and washing their hands periodically, the Tuesday circular also wrote.
When asked by CNA if the travel bubble between Singapore, Nongsa Batam and Bintan Lagoi would continue to be in force, Mr Hery Trianto, the head of public communication of the COVID-19 task force said that the existing vaccinated travel lane (VTL) protocols will be replaced by what is stipulated in the latest circular.
Riau Islands’ tourism chief Buralimar, who goes by one name, also confirmed with CNA that the procedures as outlined in the latest circular will supersede existing VTL protocols.
“The central government's intention is correct, but perhaps the technicalities need to be synchronised,” said Mr Buralimar.
“Perhaps we also need to tell Singapore about the latest regulation … so the VTL can be synchronised.”
On Jan 24, Indonesia said that it will allow travellers from Singapore to travel under a travel bubble to Nongsapura International Ferry Terminal (NIFT) in Batam and Bandar Bintan Telani Ferry Terminal (BBTFT) in Bintan, without the need for quarantine.
Subsequently, Singapore announced on Feb 25 that it will launch VTL arrangements via sea with Batam and Bintan, as part of efforts to gradually restore transport connectivity.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-quarantine-free-bintan-batam-march-8-vtl-singapore-2552151
Writer: Kiki Siregar
JAKARTA: Foreign travellers can now enter the Indonesian islands of Bintan and Batam without quarantine, in addition to Bali.
According to an Indonesia COVID-19 task force circular issued on Tuesday (Mar 8), travellers from abroad can enter via Batam’s Hang Nadim Airport, Batam Port, Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport in Tanjung Pinang, Bintan Port and Tanjung Pinang Port.
Among the task force’s duties include regulating travel health protocols amid the pandemic.
To be eligible, travellers must be fully vaccinated and show a negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test taken 48 hours before departure, the circular wrote.
Foreign travellers must also have a valid visa and show payment of a tourism package or hotel in Batam or Bintan. They also need to have health insurance which covers COVID-19 treatment worth S,000.
Upon arrival, tourists will need to undergo an RT-PCR test and have a negative result.
During their stay, they must also use Indonesia’s COVID-19 tracing app PeduliLindungi.
Travellers have to take a swab test again on the third day and if it is negative, they may proceed to visit other parts of Indonesia the next day.
However, they will need to adhere to health protocols such as wearing a mask that has at least three layers, keeping a 1.5m distance from other people and washing their hands periodically, the Tuesday circular also wrote.
When asked by CNA if the travel bubble between Singapore, Nongsa Batam and Bintan Lagoi would continue to be in force, Mr Hery Trianto, the head of public communication of the COVID-19 task force said that the existing vaccinated travel lane (VTL) protocols will be replaced by what is stipulated in the latest circular.
Riau Islands’ tourism chief Buralimar, who goes by one name, also confirmed with CNA that the procedures as outlined in the latest circular will supersede existing VTL protocols.
“The central government's intention is correct, but perhaps the technicalities need to be synchronised,” said Mr Buralimar.
“Perhaps we also need to tell Singapore about the latest regulation … so the VTL can be synchronised.”
On Jan 24, Indonesia said that it will allow travellers from Singapore to travel under a travel bubble to Nongsapura International Ferry Terminal (NIFT) in Batam and Bandar Bintan Telani Ferry Terminal (BBTFT) in Bintan, without the need for quarantine.
Subsequently, Singapore announced on Feb 25 that it will launch VTL arrangements via sea with Batam and Bintan, as part of efforts to gradually restore transport connectivity.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-quarantine-free-bintan-batam-march-8-vtl-singapore-2552151
07 March 2022
2022 is the last opportunity to buy property with many conveniences
Writer: Wahyu Ardiyanto
Various researches and surveys for the property business show that this sector will continue the trend of business improvement. Several government policies have been the driving force for this capital-intensive sector to survive with the tax relaxation program imposed on property, the downward trend in interest rates, and so on.
Data from Rumah.com Indonesia Property Market Index (RIPSMI) also shows an increase on a quarterly and annual basis both from the supply side to price increases for the 2021 period. Although there is a slight decline in the fourth quarter of 2021, this slowdown is still very normal because it is in accordance with the annual cycle and this has been anticipated by developers and banks.
"In accordance with this annual cycle, Rumah.com predicts that the trend in prices, supply, and demand will still increase in the early period of 2022. On the other hand, industrial activities that allow for an increase also depend on the government's readiness to cope with the various impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. 19,” said Marine Novita, Country Manager of Rumah.com.
From the consumer side, Marine explained, this year could be the last opportunity to get property products at the best prices. The trend in the price and supply of property products since 2020 or after the pandemic continues to show optimism that makes the price range of developers begin to release from their lowest margin positions.
This is in accordance with the property price index which has been stuck with an increase of still below 1 percent while the property supply has decreased. Providers or developers still follow the annual property cycle to later launch their products when the timing is right. The demand index is also still showing an increase both quarterly and annually.
According to other research data from Rumah.com, 52 percent of property searches have increased to those with prices above IDR 1 billion. This percentage occurred throughout 2021, which was different from the previous year, which was dominated by property product searches with prices below Rp1 billion.
Some areas are also increasingly sought after, especially those with new infrastructure. The Serpong-Depok area, which has been crossed by the new toll road, has experienced an increase in property prices. After more than a year being held back due to the pandemic, developers have become more confident in increasing the benchmark selling price for their products and reducing the various convenience promos offered.
“Developers have been bolder in raising property prices in the last three quarters so that the first half of 2022 can be the last chance for consumers to get the best prices. More property seekers for prices above IDR 1 billion also shows that the property market situation has recovered," explained Marine.
https://www.rumah.com/berita-properti/2022/3/203922/2022-jadi-kesempatan-terakhir-beli-properti-dengan-banyak-kemudahan
Various researches and surveys for the property business show that this sector will continue the trend of business improvement. Several government policies have been the driving force for this capital-intensive sector to survive with the tax relaxation program imposed on property, the downward trend in interest rates, and so on.
Data from Rumah.com Indonesia Property Market Index (RIPSMI) also shows an increase on a quarterly and annual basis both from the supply side to price increases for the 2021 period. Although there is a slight decline in the fourth quarter of 2021, this slowdown is still very normal because it is in accordance with the annual cycle and this has been anticipated by developers and banks.
"In accordance with this annual cycle, Rumah.com predicts that the trend in prices, supply, and demand will still increase in the early period of 2022. On the other hand, industrial activities that allow for an increase also depend on the government's readiness to cope with the various impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. 19,” said Marine Novita, Country Manager of Rumah.com.
From the consumer side, Marine explained, this year could be the last opportunity to get property products at the best prices. The trend in the price and supply of property products since 2020 or after the pandemic continues to show optimism that makes the price range of developers begin to release from their lowest margin positions.
This is in accordance with the property price index which has been stuck with an increase of still below 1 percent while the property supply has decreased. Providers or developers still follow the annual property cycle to later launch their products when the timing is right. The demand index is also still showing an increase both quarterly and annually.
According to other research data from Rumah.com, 52 percent of property searches have increased to those with prices above IDR 1 billion. This percentage occurred throughout 2021, which was different from the previous year, which was dominated by property product searches with prices below Rp1 billion.
Some areas are also increasingly sought after, especially those with new infrastructure. The Serpong-Depok area, which has been crossed by the new toll road, has experienced an increase in property prices. After more than a year being held back due to the pandemic, developers have become more confident in increasing the benchmark selling price for their products and reducing the various convenience promos offered.
“Developers have been bolder in raising property prices in the last three quarters so that the first half of 2022 can be the last chance for consumers to get the best prices. More property seekers for prices above IDR 1 billion also shows that the property market situation has recovered," explained Marine.
https://www.rumah.com/berita-properti/2022/3/203922/2022-jadi-kesempatan-terakhir-beli-properti-dengan-banyak-kemudahan