Indonesia is preparing to introduce visa-free travel for tourists from 20 countries by October, as announced by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. This initiative, nearing final approval, aims to enhance economic benefits from international tourism.

According to Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno in Jakarta, the process is nearing completion, with a proposed list of 20 countries already submitted. Priority is being given to nations that significantly contribute to Indonesia's economy.

The impact of the visa-free travel policy will be assessed over a six-month trial period, with implementation expected before October, coinciding with the end of the current administration's term.

"We anticipate achieving our goal of visa-free travel before the current administration concludes," Sandiaga stated confidently.

Initially proposed in December 2023, the plan includes countries such as Australia, China, India, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, New Zealand, Italy, and Spain, alongside two additional Middle Eastern nations.

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"These countries play a crucial role in Indonesia's tourism landscape, with significant investment ties, particularly from several Middle Eastern nations," Sandiaga emphasized.

Granting visa-free travel to these nations is expected to increase international tourist arrivals, stimulate local spending, attract investments, and support the growth of Indonesia's digital economy.

Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported a significant recovery in foreign tourist arrivals, with 5.2 million visitors from January to May. This marks a significant increase from the 2021 figure of604,471 travelers, progressing from nearly 3 million in 2020 to 4.2 million in the same period of 2023.

Indonesia aims to achieve 17 million foreign tourist visits by the end of this year, demonstrating its commitment to expanding global appeal and economic influence through tourism initiatives.