The seven-day Special Short Visit Visa (Visa Kunjungan Singkat Khusus or VKSK) policy has had a significant impact on foreign tourist arrivals in the Riau Islands, particularly Batam.
The Head of Public Relations at Batam Immigration Office, Aris, said interest among foreign nationals in the seven-day VKSK service has continued to rise since its introduction. Throughout last year, a total of 84,230 foreigners used the facility through the Batam Immigration Office.
According to Aris, the short-stay visa scheme is an important instrument in supporting the growth of the tourism sector, particularly in border regions such as the Riau Islands, which typically experience high levels of cross-border mobility.
“This figure shows that there is strong interest [in Batam and Riau Islands],” he said, as quoted from the press on Sunday, the 25th of January.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Riau Islands Tourism Office, Hasan, described the policy issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Immigration and Corrections as highly strategic in boosting foreign tourist visits to the region.
“There are four available schemes: permanent residency, the seven-day visa, student passes, and visa-free entry,” Hasan said.
In addition, the Riau Islands Provincial Government is currently preparing further supporting policies to strengthen the tourism sector in 2026, including plans to introduce international charter flights. Riau Islands’ strategic geographical location is believed to be a key advantage in maximising these opportunities.
“Discussions are currently under way, including plans to open international charter flights to Batam and Tanjungpinang,” Hasan added.
Recently, Batam has made the headlines after the Lubuk Baja Police Criminal Investigation Unit successfully detained the perpetrator of the pickpocketing of a foreign tourist from Singapore, which went viral on social media a few days ago. The perpetrator was arrested at his residence in the Sungai Jodoh area of Batuampar, Batam, Riau Islands.