The Directorate General of Immigration has announced a new visa-free entry policy for Singaporean permanent residents visiting Batam, Bintan, and Karimun, aiming to boost tourism and economic growth in these key Indonesian regions.
In a strategic move to attract tourists and foster economic interactions, the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration has introduced a visa-free entry privilege for Singaporean permanent residents, simplifying access to popular destinations such as Batam, Bintan, and Karimun.
Under the new directive, detailed in Circular IMI-940.GR.01.01 of 2024, Singaporean PRs can now enter these regions for up to four days, making it ideal for weekend getaways or brief holidays, starting from designated entry points across the islands.
The policy is expected to enhance the appeal of the Riau Islands as prime destinations for leisure and shopping, according to Directorate General Silmy Karim. This move is part of a broader effort to match the tourism appeal of neighboring Southeast Asian countries.
Ports such as Nongsa Terminal Bahari, Marina Teluk Senimba, and Batam Centre, among others, have been designated as entry points for visitors benefiting from this visa-free arrangement, ensuring a smooth travel experience for eligible travellers.
Beyond tourism, the initiative also aims to facilitate business and investment opportunities in the region’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), such as KEK Nongsa in Batam and Bintan Resorts, which focus on digital business, creative economy, and tourism.
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The visa-free entry is also meticulously managed to maintain security and order, with thorough screening processes to ensure that only eligible and bona fide visitors benefit from the policy.
The introduction of visa-free entry for Singaporean permanent residents to select Indonesian islands represents a significant step in Indonesia’s tourism and economic development strategy. It underscores Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing its global and regional connectivity and attractiveness as a tourist and business destination.
Indonesia’s new visa-free entry policy for Singaporean permanent residents is set to boost tourism and economic interactions in Batam, Bintan, and Karimun. This initiative not only simplifies access for short visits but also aligns with broader efforts to promote the Riau Islands as attractive leisure and investment destinations in Southeast Asia.
