In a bold step towards fortifying its position as a leading tourism destination in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is unwavering in its commitment to both amplify and refine the experience for international visitors. The latest initiative in this pursuit involves the government’s decision to grant visa-free access to tourists from 20 specific countries. This ambitious move aims not only to boost tourist numbers but also to enhance the overall quality of their stay. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this groundbreaking plan.
Tourism serves as a pivotal pillar in Indonesia’s economic framework, contributing significantly to national revenue and employment opportunities. With an unwavering commitment to fostering and elevating this crucial sector, the Indonesian government has strategically devised a plan to streamline visa processes for tourists from 20 carefully selected countries.
The objective is clear: to create a seamless entry for those eager to explore Indonesia’s breathtaking landscapes, immerse themselves in its cultural richness, and significantly contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
Visa-Free Policy Subject to Thorough Consideration
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, stated that the visa-free policy for 20 countries has undergone several stages of consideration. According to him, this policy is strategic in fostering high-quality tourism in Indonesia.
“We are in the process of ensuring that Indonesia remains a top-of-mind destination. We consistently pursue this to target quality tourists,” said Sandiaga in the Weekly Brief on Tuesday (19/12/2023).
Crucially, the move toward visa-free access transcends a mere numerical increase in tourist arrivals. Minister Sandiaga clarified that the initiative is designed to transform Indonesian tourism into a sustainable and environmentally friendly venture, often referred to as green tourism.
“This [visa-free policy] isn’t about chasing quantity; it’s not about attracting tourists who may not contribute sustainably to our economy,” he highlighted.
Taking cues from neighboring countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Singapore, which have already embraced visa-free policies, Indonesia is poised to usher in a new era of accessible and high-quality tourism.
20 Countries Slated to Receive Visa-Free Access from Indonesia
Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno revealed that his ministry has proposed 20 countries with the highest number of foreign tourists, excluding those already exempt from visa requirements. The finalized list is expected to be submitted to President Joko Widodo within the next month.
“Within this month, the President has tasked us to refine the list of countries proposed for visa-free access to obtain approval and proceed with the policy that will grant visa-free access to several prioritized countries,” he said after an internal meeting on visa-related matters at the Presidential Palace on Thursday (7/12/2023), as quoted from Bisnis.
Quoted from cnbcindonesia, The proposed list includes countries such as Australia, China, India, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and several other Middle Eastern countries.
These countries are suggested to receive visa-free access as they contribute the most tourists. Some countries are selected based on the principle of reciprocity or mutual cooperation between nations.
Additionally, the government considers the per capita income of the tourists’ home countries and their spending during visits to Indonesia when determining the list of countries eligible for visa exemption.
The plan for visa-free access for 20 countries is still under discussion, with the final decision expected at the end of this year or early next year. The implementation of this visa-free policy for 20 countries could realize the target of welcoming up to 14 million foreign tourists in the coming year.
Through a smart and market-analyzed visa strategy, Indonesia showcases its commitment to maintaining its status as a premier tourist destination. By understanding global trends, fostering economic growth, and prioritizing sustainability, Indonesia is actively working to establish a robust and sustainable tourism foundation to welcome visitors from around the world. With these measures, Indonesia aims to enrich the tourist experience and ensure that the allure of the homeland continues to shine brightly on the international tourism stage.
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