Indonesia launches visa reforms, ignores Australia

Indonesia launches visa reforms, ignores Australia

It seems Indonesia is giving Australia the cold shoulder, awarding a stack of visa reforms for 45 countries, but excluding ours.

The Republic of Indonesia has made a number of visa requirement reforms that will aim to boost jobs and economic growth, while allowing citizens visa-free entry into the country for up to 30 days.

President Joko Widodo signed the presidential regulation on June 9, adding 30 news countries to the visa waiver program.

Fifteen countries out of the 45 previously enjoyed visa-free access to Indonesia, with the 30 new countries including:

  • China
  • Russia
  • South Korea
  • Japan
  • USA
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • Mexico
  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • France
  • The Netherlands
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • Belgium
  • Sweden
  • Austria
  • Denmark
  • Norway
  • Finland
  • Poland
  • Hungary
  • Czech Republic
  • Qatar
  • The United Arab Emirates
  • Kuwait
  • Bahrain
  • Oman and
  • South Africa

Travel and tourism is a major contributor to the Indonesian economy. In 2014, the sector contributed 9.3% of total GDP and 8.4% of jobs.

World Travel & Tourism Council’s president and ceo David Scowsill said he commends President Joko Widodo and the Indonesian government for taking this important step.

“This show of leadership demonstrates how visa reforms can energise a country to bring economic growth, job creation and social benefit,” he said.

“Governments across the world are increasingly understanding that visa reforms can stimulate visitor numbers and drive economic growth. According to a recent joint report by WTTC and UNWTO, countries in the APEC region stand to gain up to 57 million additional international tourist arrivals and to create up to 2.6 million jobs from visa facilitation by 2016. Reforms such as those by President Joko Widodo show the way forward.”

Time will tell if Australia will get to join the cool kids in the visa waiver reform.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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