Riau Islands is gearing up to implement stricter health measures across the province as the central government enters into discussions with Singapore on opening up a “travel corridor” between the two countries.

Governor Isdianto said the provincial administration would do its best to prepare regulations that would ensure the safety of travelers visiting the province.

“It is necessary to implement strict health protocols if the talks eventually lead to something,” the governor told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Riau Islands places second for foreign tourist arrivals in Indonesia after Bali. Last year, the province attracted 2.59 million international visitors, almost half – 47 percent – were from Singapore.

Isdianto went on to say that he had handed over a request to open its borders with Singapore to Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan during the latter’s visit to Batam in July.

“I told him that we, especially the people, are longing for foreign tourists to come to our islands,” he said.

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