Q: When are my visitor fees due?

Visitor fees are due two weeks prior to departure. You will be sent the invoice via BILL, Health In Harmony's accounts receivable software, and via email. Please reach out if you have any questions regarding the details of your invoice.

Question 1

Which medical insurance provider does HIH use?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

All visitors will be covered under Health In Harmony’s international medical and evacuation insurance for the duration of your visit. Our plan is administered through American International Group (AIG) and covers expenses such as hospital visits, medical evacuation to a high standard of care, and repatriation.

In case of emergency, first contact the HIH team according to the chain of response and they will help coordinate and expedite the AIG process.

Once your visit is confirmed you will sign up for an account on the AIG Travel Guard Portal page and receive an insurance ID card. Please make sure to print this information and save the phone and policy number on your phone prior to departure.

Question 2

Who do I reach out to if I want to donate medical supplies?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

Please reach out to the following:

-Dr. Maria Puspa Kartika (Dr. Tika) - kartika@alamsehatlestari.org

-Laily Lutfiana Dhia - laily@alamsehatlestari.org

Question 3

When are my visitor fees due?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

Visitor fees are due two weeks prior to departure.

You will be sent the invoice via BILL, Health In Harmony's accounts receivable software, and via email.

Please reach out if you have any questions regarding the details of your invoice.

Question 4

How can I best pay for my visitor fees?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

You will be sent an invoice from Health in Harmony via BILL, Health In Harmony's accounts receivable software, that outlines the visitor fees associated with the number of weeks of your visit along with any add-on items you've chosen to include in your visit.

The invoice will outline the preferred method of payment. Currently we prefer payment either via BILL or our online payment page.

Question 5

What do you recommend in terms of booking my flights?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

From the United States and other locations outside of Indonesia, you should budget two full days of travel to Sukadana. Once you have confirmed your on-site dates with Health In Harmony staff, you will book your international flights to Jakarta (or in some cases to Pontianak). There are multiple airlines that serve the Jakarta airport, with most of the options arriving in the afternoon or evening.

Once you have purchased your flights, please send these to Health In Harmony (travel@healthinharmony.org) so we have your itinerary on file. Round-trip international travel arrangements must be made before you can apply for your visa.

Question 6

How do I get from Jakarta to ASRI?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

Most international itineraries will route you through Jakarta. From Jakarta, there are a couple options for travel, both requiring a full day of travel:

One option is to fly from Jakarta to Pontianak (approx. 1.5 hours) and then to Ketapang. Once you arrive at Ketapang an ASRI driver will pick you up from the airport from where it’s a 2 hour drive to Sukadana.

Alternatively, some international itineraries can bypass Jakarta and will route you straight to Pontianak.

If you require support making these arrangements, we would be happy to help you! Please contact Laily Lutfiana Dhia (laily@alamsehatlestari.org) for assistance.

Question 7

What is the weight limit on the domestic flights?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

Flights from Jakarta to Pontianak generally allow only 20 kg (44 lbs), while flights from Pontianak to Ketapang only allow 10 kg (22 lbs) per passenger. Be aware that you may have to pay overweight baggage fees.

If you do not wish to change terminals in the Jakarta airport, Garuda domestic flights depart from the international terminal. If you use an airline other than Garuda, we recommend leaving some extra time for your terminal transfer, as the airport can be a challenging place to navigate.

Question 8

What is the process for the visa application?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

Please send the following information and documents to travel@healthinharmony.org in JPEG format at least 6 weeks before your departure to Indonesia:

Your home address
An introduction letter from your institution (download template here and read the instructions carefully)
Scan of your passport cover
Scan of the personal identity page in your passport (passport must be valid for minimum of 6 months after departure date)
1 formal picture with white background
A copy of your return ticket
Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 according to the WHO requirements (at least two doses, and at least two weeks since the second dose)
Health insurance/travel insurance
In the event that a quarantine is in place: Statement letter that you are willing to quarantine upon arrival to Indonesia until you receive a negative PCR test result (template can be found here)
- Please check with the Health In Harmony team for the most updated COVID restrictions

All documents should be 100-300 kb in size and in JPEG (advised) or PDF format.

ASRI will apply for the visa on your behalf and we will notify you when the application has been successfully processed.

Question 9

What type of visa do I need and how do I apply?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

One of the requirements for visiting our program in Indonesia is that you must have the Social Cultural Visa. The Social Cultural Visa allows for stays of up to 60 days (including date of departure and arrival), and it covers educational visits, and visits to NGOs. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your departure from Indonesia.

In Indonesia, the guarantor organization must apply for the visa on the visitor’s behalf. In order to ensure this process goes as smoothly as possible, please carefully read this page and follow all of the instructions.

Question 10

Is there a travel agency that you recommend to book my domestic flights?

Accepted Answer

The best online resource to book your domestic flights is Travel Oka, an Indonesia-based travel platform.

In general, we recommend the airline Garuda as it is the safest and most reliable. In addition, this domestic airline is located in the same terminal as the international airport. You can simply walk upstairs and re-enter, instead of needing to leave the terminal, adding unneeded stress to your trip.

If you require assistance booking domestic flights, please reach out to Laily Lutfiana Dhia (laily@alamseshatlestari.org). We can book these flights on your behalf and the cost will be added to your visitor fees.

Question 11

What vaccinations or medications do I need?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

Make sure to plan ahead! The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a travel medicine consultation at least 4-6 weeks ahead of your departure, to receive guidance about your trip and vaccinations and medications you may need. Although we are happy to provide suggestions, you should defer to the advice of your healthcare provider.

For immunizations, your provider will likely recommend:
• Updates on routine vaccinations (MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Polio, flu)
• Typhoid vaccine
• Hepatitis A vaccine
• Some travelers may consider Hepatitis B vaccine, rabies vaccine, or Japanese encephalitis vaccine. We do advise travelers to get a rabies vaccination.

Question 12

Are there major safety and security concerns I should be aware of?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

Risks are an inherent part of any travel. To stay safe in Sukadana and the rest of Indonesia, we recommend the same strategies you would use to stay safe in any new place: be cautious, ask questions, learn about the towns/cities you are in, know where the more risky locations are, use common sense, and be aware.

Indonesia experiences periodic acts of political violence, civil unrest, and terrorism, but exposure to this is quite uncommon in Sukadana and the rest of Indonesian Borneo. Visitors should be most vigilant about these issues in Jakarta and other travel hubs.

Please review the U.S. State Department website for the most up-to-date travel warnings, advisories, and other precautions.

Question 13

What hotels do you recommend for staying overnight in Pontianak?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

Gardenia Resort
Ibis Hotel
Golden Tulip
The Colour Hostel

Question 14

What can I wear during personal travel?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

For personal travel and hikes, you can dress more casually and wear jeans or capris. In general, culturally respectful clothing means items that are loose-fitting and provide full coverage, especially if you are visiting remote communities. This means not wearing any of the following: tank tops, short shorts/skirts, low-cut tops, crop tops, tight yoga pants/leggings, or see-through clothing.

Question 15

What should I wear around town?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

For women, during your free time and on weekends, active wear, long loose fitting shorts (below the knee), and short-sleeve shirts are acceptable as long as the shirts are not too low-cut.

For men, shorts, athletic wear, and t-shirts are acceptable.

Question 16

What should I wear to meetings or the office?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

For women, full-length pants (no jeans) or a long skirt, paired with a nice shirt that covers the elbows, is appropriate dress during the week. For men, we suggest button-up or polo shirts with nice slacks — no shorts or jeans.

Question 17

What is the voltage level and electrical socket?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

The electricity in Indonesia is 220V. Laptop computers and most modern electronics do not need converters, but other electrical appliances (shavers, hair-dyers, etc.) are usually voltage-specific and would need a converter. For adapters, Indonesia uses type C and F (European style) plugs. You can either bring adapters from home, or they are available in local stores.

Question 18

How do I access the internet?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

While the internet is often unstable, it is accessible in all ASRI buildings and at some of the houses. Visitors with a local SIM card are able to use their phone as a hotspot but we also invite our visitors to be okay being “unplugged” a bit during their time in Sukadana.

Question 19

How do I retrieve a local SIM card?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

The best place to purchase a local SIM card is at the Jakarta airport. You will have to provide a copy of your passport. SIM cards and data are relatively cheap. There is also a place to purchase SIM cards right outside of the Pontianak airport, if you are not traveling through Jakarta.

Question 20

Will my cellphone work?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

Your cellphone can work by purchasing an international travel plan through your cellphone provider. If you have an “unlocked” phone, meaning you are able to insert international SIM card, you can purchase a local SIM card at the airport. This will give you cellular data, as well as a mobile hotspot for wifi.

Question 21

Can I bring my personal laptop?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

Yes, you are welcome to bring your laptop but you must be aware that the humidity can sometimes cause electronics to slow down of malfunction. It is also important to note that there is wifi in all ASRI buildings and in some of the houses.

Question 22

Is it safe to travel by car?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

You may travel by car when visiting some of ASRI’s programs. It is safe to travel in vehicles but just like anywhere else, you must wear your seatbelt.

Question 23

How do I get around?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

ASRI provides bicycles, bike helmets, and bike lights for you to travel around Sukadana. There are a relatively small amount of cars and Sukadana is close enough to commute easily by bike.

Question 24

Can I drink the tap water?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

No, but there are 5-gallon dispensers of water available at all ASRI buildings (including housing) as well as in many restaurants and hotels. Since potable water is readily available, there is no need to bring a filter or water purification tablets. ASRI aims to set an example in the community and reduce plastic as much as possible. We encourage our visitors to do the same and discourage the use of disposable water bottles and the use of straws.

Question 25

What is the weather like?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

The weather is hot and humid with frequent rainfall. Both men and women will be expected to dress culturally appropriately despite the heat.

Question 26

What is the food like?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

Indonesian cuisine is predominantly rice-based, with meats and vegetables cooked in rich, flavorful sauces. Sambal, or chili paste, is always served on the side. Proteins include seafood and chicken and on occasion beef and goat. It is not hard to find good vegetarian options, as most meals will include freshly-made tempeh or tofu, eggs, and/or vegetable dishes. There will be a wide array of seasonal fruits, though fresh salads and other raw vegetables are not very common. You will be on your own for breakfast and weekend meals. Lunch and dinner on weekdays are provided by ASRI staff.

Question 27

Are there bed nets in the house?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

There are bed nets at the ASRI housing accommodations and we recommend using them. If there is a problem with your net, please contact Exchange Coordinator Laily Lutfiana Dhia (laily@alamsehatlestari.org)

Question 28

What are the accommodations like?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

There are homes that are shared by ASRI staff and visitors. Houses are separated by gender, although married couples can stay together.

The houses are all within a 10-minute bike ride of the ASRI offices. Each ASRI house has a bathroom, kitchen, multiple bedrooms and a shared living space. Bedrooms have a bed with a mosquito net, a fan, and wardrobe space for personal belongings. The accommodations are basic with squat toilets and a bucket used to shower.

The houses each hire a pembantu, or helper, who does laundry, shopping, cleaning, and cooking for the house.

Question 29

Is it acceptable and appropriate to bring toys for kids in the communities?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

Yes - but always make sure to hand these to our Planetary Health Education Manager or staff at ASRI so that they can distribute the toys to the ASRI kids and Teens program. This is to avoid any expectations of foreigners being associated with bringing gifts when visiting Indonesia.

Question 30

Is there a list of (medical) supplies needed at ASRI that I could donate?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a ‘Wish List’ that ASRI staff has put together, found here. Please reach out to the Health In Harmony Program Manager for more information on traveling with medical supplies and donations. We don’t accept medical supplies and medications beyond the expiration date.

Question 31

Can I bring gifts for the ASRI team?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

Many visitors bring small gifts or souvenirs — locally known as ‘oleh oleh’ — as tokens of appreciation for the staff. The aim is to keep it simple and enjoyable to all members of the staff (30+ people).

Examples include special items or trinkets from your hometown or chocolates, teas, or other treats to be shared at lunch. Present your gifts to the whole staff during lunch with the staff, rather than giving gifts directly to one person.

Please try and avoid carrying items wrapped in a lot of plastic, as the ASRI clinic aims to be zero waste and plastic free as much as possible.

Question 32

What should I bring from home that is not easy to find in Sukadana?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

Western food is not easily available in Sukadana. You will want to bring coffee, tea, and breakfast meals such as protein bars or oatmeal. You also will want to get your cash in the Jakarta or Ketapang airport, as the ATM in Sukadana is not always equipped with money. You also will want to bring all beauty products and medications. Backup chargers for your phone and laptop are also recommended as you won’t be able to purchase one in Sukadana if they break.

Question 33

What do I need to pack for this trip?

Katie Kerekes · Accepted Answer

We encourage visitors to pack relatively light—both for ease of traveling during the many legs of the journey and to be mindful about how many things you are bringing into communities that may have very little. You will be able to have your clothing washed on a regular basis, but in this humid climate, some items will take 2-3 days to dry. To be brief (more details in our Visitor Guide), you would want to bring shoes to take on and off easily, raingear, modest and comfortable clothing, bug repellent, a water bottle, and basic hiking gear.

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