Indonesia welcomes first visiting superyacht since start of pandemic 

Amevi docked off Belitung. Image courtesy of Thomas Taatjes, Asia Pacific Superyachts Indonesia

The 80-metre superyacht Amevi has become the first visiting superyacht to dock in Indonesian waters since borders were shut after the outbreak of Covid-19.

The captain and crew of the luxury vessel, which visited Belitung in mid-October, worked with Asia Pacific Superyachts Indonesia, a superyacht management company, to seek permission from the local government for the visit in advance.

Clearance procedures aboard Amevi documented in video from local media

“Belitung departments were very grateful to host a large superyacht (perhaps the largest to ever visit the islands) and all were very welcoming,” says Thomas Taatjes of Asia Pacific Superyachts. “While riding the local rental boat out to Amevi for clearances, we were escorted by a pod of dolphins and lots of turtles!”

Belitung Island

The visit by Amevi, which arrived from Singapore via Bali, was deemed as a trial for Indonesia in welcoming yachts in the wake of coronavirus restrictions. The protocols devised for Amevi’s Covid-19 clearances were approved by local government, and are now being used as an example for other visiting yachts and agents to follow.

Officials on board Amevi

The first stage of clearance involved visas being granted to crew in various embassies around the world, including the USA, England, Spain, Greece, Thailand and Australia. All crew flew in and/or arrived onboard with these correct visas. Customs and immigration officials checked each crewmember’s passport and visa. 

A media release made by Asia Pacific Superyachts states that, after the visit, the Indonesian government released a letter stating that: “Now all ports in Indonesia are open for yachts, provided they follow the protocol as per those set out by Amevi and Asia Pacific Superyachts Indonesia.”

Some crew members have now taken leave in Bali, other places in Indonesia and around the world, reports Taatjes. “PCR tests were done for sign off crew in Jakarta in six-hours’ turnaround in order to meet their outbound flights and airline/country of destination requirements”, he adds.

 

“The crew were also happy, reporting they enjoyed the smoothness of operation of the APS Indo team, the beautiful offshore islets and beaches of Belitung and the friendly local people and ground support personnel of APS Indonesia.”

APS Indonesia founder, Captain Jimmy Blee, is also spreading the message of new procedures to welcome vessels like Amevi to Indonesia: “APS is always on call and we will continue to send regular updates to all our friends and clients as conditions change in Indonesia, over and above what is widely reported. These uncertain days require strength and hope and a profound humanity for others. We are delighted to share this good news with all.”