Who doesn’t know Coldplay? The legendary British band successfully held a spectacular concert in Indonesia in 2023. But did you know they couldn’t just come and perform? To legally take the stage, they had to obtain a special permit from the Indonesian government. One of the key requirements was a specific visa known as the Music and Art Visa in Indonesia.
This visa is designed specifically for musicians, artists, and international creative industry professionals who wish to perform or work in Indonesia. But what exactly is the Music and Art Visa, and why is it so important for international artists who want to hold concerts or art events in the country? Let’s dive deeper into the details!
Coldplay and the Introduction of the Music and Art Visa
British band Coldplay was among the first international artists to utilize Indonesia’s newly introduced Music and Art Visa. The Directorate General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, revealed that Coldplay’s arrival to rock the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) on November 15, 2023, served as a perfect opportunity to promote this new visa category.
“The government aims to position Indonesia as a key destination for international events,” he stated, as quoted from the official Immigration website.
Read also: Streamers in Indonesia Aren’t Exempt from Tax! Here’s What You Need to Know!
For their concert, Coldplay and their crew received specific visa classifications: four Music Performer Visas (C7A index) for the band members and 158 Music Performers Crew Visas (C7B index) for their support team.
What Is the Music and Art Visa?
Previously, international artists performing in Indonesia were required to obtain a work permit, a police clearance certificate (SKCK), and proof of at least five years of experience. However, these requirements have been simplified because foreign artists typically stay in Indonesia for only a short period.
Introduced in September 2023, the Music and Art Visa is issued by the Directorate General of Immigration to facilitate foreign musicians and artists in holding performances in Indonesia. The visa aims to attract more international events to the country.
A similar approach was taken during the MotoGP event in Indonesia, where a special sports visa was issued for athletes. The Music and Art Visa also takes into account that foreign bands and singers do not compete with local workers. By easing visa regulations, Indonesia hopes to establish itself as a prime destination for music and arts tourism.
How to Apply for a Music and Art Visa in Indonesia
According to the Directorate General of Immigration, applications for the Music and Art Visa can be submitted online. “We have introduced the Music and Art Visa with a streamlined process, and applications can be completed online,” said Silmy Karim.
Event organizers or promoters can apply for the visa through the official website evisa.imigrasi.go.id. The requirements are minimal—there is no need to provide a work permit, a police clearance certificate (SKCK), or proof of five years of work experience.
“The requirements have been simplified because foreign artists only perform in Indonesia for a short duration,” Silmy explained. Moreover, SKCKs are not issued in other countries, so requiring one would be impractical.
With the introduction of the Music and Art Visa, Indonesia is opening greater opportunities for the international entertainment industry. Foreign artists who wish to perform in the country now face fewer bureaucratic hurdles, making the process more convenient. This policy is expected to positively impact Indonesia’s economy, particularly in the tourism and entertainment sectors, as large concerts like Coldplay’s attract both local and international visitors.
At the same time, Indonesia benefits from showcasing its rich cultural heritage to the world. Many international artists performing in Indonesia often draw inspiration from the country’s diverse traditions, fostering cultural exchanges and potential collaborations.
Hassle-Free Permit Processing with Bizindo
Planning to bring international artists to Indonesia or organize a major concert? Need assistance in handling essential documents, including the Music and Art Visa? No worries! Let Bizindo take care of all the administrative and permit-related matters!
Bizindo specializes in processing visas and legal documents, ensuring a smooth experience for your event. With our expertise, you can focus on planning your concert while we handle the paperwork. Contact us today at www.bizindo.com and let us take care of your event’s permit requirements, ensuring everything runs seamlessly!
That’s a comprehensive look at Indonesia’s Music and Art Visa used by Coldplay and other international artists. We hope this information helps anyone planning to invite foreign performers or organize large-scale events in Indonesia!
20% off today. Whatsapp us!