The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism believes expanding visa-free access could increase international arrivals and boost local economies, whereas immigration authorities stress the need to balance tourism growth with national security considerations.
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, the ease of entry is a crucial factor influencing travellers’ decisions when choosing a destination, particularly as competing countries in the region continue to strengthen their travel facilitation policies.
“The Ministry of Tourism believes that Indonesia needs to view the Visa-Free Visit policy within a broader framework, namely as a policy that can have a direct impact on tourist arrivals, visitor spending, job creation, and the strengthening of local economies,” the Ministry stated on its official website on Wednesday, the 24th of June.
Previously, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana revealed during a Working Meeting with Commission VII of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, the 3rd of June, that the government is reviewing the possibility of expanding Visa-Free Visit access through the 8+1 scheme. The proposal would cover Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Macau, and holders of Singapore permanent residence permits.
However, Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko and Garuda Institute Director Bahtiar Sebayang have urged caution, calling for a thorough evaluation of the proposal rather than a hasty implementation, given Indonesia’s previous experience with a similar policy back in 2016. A close collaboration with the Directorate General of Immigration, as well as Commission VII of the DPR RI, would be more preferable in order to discuss the proposed policy comprehensively and in detail.
“The Directorate General of Immigration has a constitutional mandate to safeguard the nation’s borders. The role of immigration is not only to provide services but also to ensure national security. Therefore, every visa-free policy must be carefully assessed,” Sebayang said in a statement on Tuesday, the 23rd of June.
Meanwhile, Marantoko explained that the current Visa-Free Visit policy, which applies to 16 countries, remains relevant and sufficient enough to support the national tourism sector. He added that any expansion of the visa-free list must prioritise the principle of selectivity and take reciprocity into account.
“The visa-free policy must be viewed comprehensively, not only in terms of the number of tourist arrivals, but also its impact on security, the economy, and national interests,” he said in a statement as well.
In addition, Marantoko noted that Indonesia’s experience back in 2016 demonstrated that granting visa-free access to citizens of 169 countries did not significantly increase foreign exchange earnings. On the contrary, after the policy was tightened, revenue from related sectors actually increased.
“What needs to be considered is not only the quantity of tourists, but also their quality and contribution to the national economy,” he concluded.