Indonesia is “re-evaluating” its policy of visa-free travel for Chinese tourists as concerns grow over the Wuhan coronavirus. As of Wednesday evening, no cases of infection had been reported in Indonesia, but the spread of the virus beyond China – where it has claimed at least 132 lives – has led to growing calls for the government to step up its defences. The news came as the country’s air force announced it had three planes on standby to evacuate 93 Indonesians from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak. “For the time being, we are re-evaluating [the visa-free policy for Chinese travellers]. No decision has been made yet,” Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna Laoly said on Wednesday. However, Yasonna cautioned that an abrupt stop to the policy would risk damaging diplomatic relations, reported The Jakarta Post . China coronavirus: Japanese evacuees describe confusion in Wuhan “We have received such requests, but we need to be selective. We will further discuss it with more specific details,” Yasonna said, adding that some cities and provinces in China were still free of the virus. The visa-free policy has come under fire from critics who say it makes it too difficult for authorities to monitor Chinese who may be carrying the virus. House of Representatives lawmaker Charles Honoris, of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, called on the government to introduce visa requirements for Chinese travellers “for the time being”. “At the very least, have Chinese nationals apply for visas so there is a screening process in which representatives from our embassies in China can interview them, ask where they come from, where they have been,” he said. “If they come from places where there are coronavirus cases, we will take steps not to allow them to enter,” said Honoris, stressing he was not calling for a blanket ban on Chinese tourists. Indonesia is a popular destination for Chinese travellers, with 1.92 million visiting in the first 11 months of 2019. Anas Ma’ruf, who heads the health office at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, said that as of Wednesday evening, “no Chinese, Indonesian or foreign arrival” had shown any signs of the coronavirus while at the airport. However, critics like Honoris say this is beside the point. “The Chinese authorities have said that this virus can be spread by people who do not show any symptoms. So having the thermal scanner at the airport is not going to help much,” said Honoris. The debate over visas comes amid a variety of other actions Indonesia is taking to step up its defences. The country’s air force said on Twitter that it had two Boeing B737s, one Hercules aeroplane, and one health battalion on standby to evacuate Indonesian citizens from Wuhan. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Lion Air Group, Southeast Asia’s biggest carrier by fleet size, said it was halting all flights to and from China. Dozens of flights will be affected as the airline services 15 mainland Chinese cities. The move follows the government’s decision on Monday to issue a travel alert for its nationals heading to China. China coronavirus: Malaysia confirms 3 new infections, taking total cases to 7 In Central Sulawesi, a Chinese-controlled firm said it had quarantined all 3,000 of its Chinese employees at an industrial complex, reported BenarNews. The workers at the plant in Morowali regency were being monitored for signs of infection, a spokesman for the PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park said. China’s Tsingshan Holding Group holds the majority stake in the park, which produces nickel and stainless steel. “To facilitate the examinations, 3,000 foreign workers have been quarantined. If they are found to be free from the virus, they will be released from the quarantine,” said the spokesman, adding that so far, no infections had been found. Indonesia’s neighbouring nation of Papua New Guinea has shut air and seaports to all foreign travellers coming from Asia. No coronavirus cases have been reported in Papua New Guinea, but the impoverished country’s health service is already buckling under the weight of underfunding and rampant public health problems. Purchase the China AI Report 2020 brought to you by SCMP Research and enjoy a 20% discount (original price US$400). This 60-page all new intelligence report gives you first-hand insights and analysis into the latest industry developments and intelligence about China AI. Get exclusive access to our webinars for continuous learning, and interact with China AI executives in live Q&A. Offer valid until 31 March 2020.