As one of Indonesia’s busiest airports, Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali is not resting on its laurels. To enhance passenger services, Indonesian immigration has introduced an innovative system: 90 autogate machines. This cutting-edge technology is designed to expedite passport checks, reducing processing times to a swift 15 to 20 seconds. This leap in efficiency promises a more comfortable travel experience for visitors.

Bali, a favored destination for millions of international tourists each year, has seen an impressive influx of visitors. Recent statistics from the Bali Central Statistics Bureau reveal that in July 2024 alone, 625,665 foreign tourists flocked to the island.

This marks a substantial 20.11% increase compared to June 2024. Over the first seven months of this year, a total of 3,538,899 tourists have visited Bali, reflecting a significant 22.18% rise from the same period last year. On average, this equates to about 505,557 international travelers each month.

The surge in tourist arrivals has intensified the demand for fast and efficient services at key entry points like airports. In response, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, through the Directorate General of Immigration, has collaborated with Ngurah Rai Airport’s management to integrate modern technology that minimizes long queues at immigration checkpoints.

Indonesian Immigration: The Arrival of Autogates

The newly installed autogates operate on an advanced system utilizing biometric scanning technology. These machines read the electronic chip in passports to verify identities and access nationality documents from various international databases. Travelers simply place their passports on the device, and the system scans their faces or fingerprints to confirm identity.

When the information matches, the automatic doors open, allowing passengers to continue their journey. This process is not only quick but also secure, significantly reducing direct interactions and the risk of human error.

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Previously, a similar autogate system was implemented at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. There, 78 machines are in operation across Terminals 2 and 3, catering to both arrivals and departures. At Terminal 3, there are 50 autogates, including two specifically designed for persons with disabilities. Additionally, Terminal 2 features 10 new autogates, split evenly between arrivals and departures.

The introduction of these machines represents a significant step in enhancing Indonesia’s image as a tourist-friendly destination. Fast and efficient immigration processes leave a positive impression, reducing the stress for newly arrived visitors, who can immerse themselves in Bali’s beauty without enduring lengthy waits.

Indonesian Immigration: Autogates at Ngurah Rai Airport

Aligned with Indonesia’s goal of improving services at international crossing points—especially in major tourist destinations like Bali—the autogates at Ngurah Rai Airport are a welcome addition. The Directorate General of Immigration has deployed 90 units of these machines, with 60 located in the international arrivals area and 30 in departures.

Silmy Karim, the Director General of Immigration, emphasized the importance of these machines in expediting services and alleviating long queues at immigration checkpoints.

“In just 15 to 20 seconds, the autogate can automatically complete nationality document checks. This significantly reduces waiting times for travelers,” Silmy stated during the grand launch of the autogate system in Nusa Dua, Bali, on October 1, 2024.

With 60 autogates in the international arrivals section, foreign nationals arriving in Bali can now navigate passport checks automatically, avoiding lengthy lines at manual counters. Each traveler’s passport validity is checked against biometric data and various immigration and Interpol databases.

Additionally, 30 autogates are available in the international departures area of Ngurah Rai Airport, streamlining the process for visitors returning home after their stay in Indonesia. The system handles passport checks, data verification, and Interpol screening swiftly and automatically.

Even with the 90 autogates currently in operation, Silmy assured that the Directorate General of Immigration is prepared to expand the number of units if necessary, especially given the high volume of tourists in Bali. “If demand increases, we will add more autogates. This is all aimed at enhancing the comfort of tourists and international travelers,” he remarked.

A Step Towards Modernization

Beyond boosting efficiency, the implementation of autogates signifies the government’s commitment to modernizing public services. As technology evolves, this system is part of a larger initiative to digitize immigration services throughout Indonesia. Ngurah Rai Airport is leading the charge in this technological advancement, with hopes that other airports across the archipelago will follow suit.

However, while the autogates simplify the process, travelers must still adhere to certain protocols. First-time users must undergo a manual check to verify their membership in the system. After registration, they will gain access to the autogate for future visits, facilitating their journeys.

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The autogates are also expected to alleviate the workload on immigration officers. With fewer passengers requiring manual assistance, officers can concentrate on tasks that demand more attention, such as addressing specific cases or providing essential information to newcomers. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also enables staff to deliver better service.

In summary, the launch of autogates at Ngurah Rai International Airport is a positive step toward improving immigration services in Indonesia. With drastically reduced processing times, travelers can enjoy a more pleasant experience upon entering Bali. This initiative exemplifies how technology can be harnessed to enhance efficiency and comfort in public services.

To further support your travel experience, if you require assistance with visa processing, residence permits, or other administrative matters in Indonesia, Bizindo is here to help. Our experienced team offers quick and precise services, ensuring you can focus on enjoying the beauty of Bali and creating unforgettable memories. Contact us today!