"Evaluation is a certainty. In the past, we allow free entry, and now, we evaluate whether it benefits our country or do we need to open access for a country or not. There is indeed an evaluation," he stated after monitoring basic food prices in Bogor District, West Java.
President Jokowi said that not only Indonesia but also other countries would certainly evaluate their visa exemption policy.
Every country has the right to continue or rescind the visa-free policy, such as what Indonesia is currently imposing, he noted.
"Each country will certainly evaluate (the policy) to assess whether it is beneficial or not," Jokowi remarked.
After the visa exemption policy is revoked for 159 countries, nationals from only 10 countries can enter Indonesia without a visitor visa.
The 10 countries are all ASEAN countries comprising Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Kamboja, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Foreign nationals, who enter under the visa exemption policy, are allowed to remain in Indonesia for up to 30 days, and their stay cannot be extended.
They are required only to present a valid passport with a validity of at least six months and a return or onward journey ticket at an Indonesian immigration checkpoint to enter under the visa-free policy.
Minister of Law and Human Rights Decision No. M.HH-GR.01.07 of 2023, signed on June 7, was the legal basis for suspension of the visa exemption policy for the 159 countries.
The ministerial decision stated that the visa exemption policy has affected the lives of residents in Indonesia, as it is a factor that caused immigration violations, public order disruption, and transmission of diseases.
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Translator: Indra Arief P, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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