The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has left foreign nationals stranded in Indonesia, unable to leave the country as planned. To address this, the Directorate General of Immigration has stepped in with an emergency policy: overstay fees for foreign nationals impacted by the disaster will now be waived.
The Indonesian Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs confirmed this decision through Circular Letter Number IMI-568.GR.01.01 of 2025. Foreign nationals who remain in Indonesia beyond their visa expiration due to flight cancellations can now apply for this fee exemption.
“This step is taken to provide legal certainty regarding the immigration status of foreign nationals affected by natural disasters or force majeure situations,” said Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs Agus Andrianto, as quoted by Antara on Saturday (June 21, 2025).
Yuldi Yusman, Acting Director General of Immigration, has instructed all immigration offices near Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki to carefully implement this zero-fee policy for foreign nationals whose visas expired due to the eruption.
Yuldi explained that to access this exemption, foreign nationals or their guarantors must submit a request along with official documentation from local authorities or the police confirming the disruption.
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“This policy aligns with Article 52 of the Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation Number 9 of 2020, which regulates zero-fee immigration services in emergency situations,” Yuldi added.
In addition to waiving overstay fees, immigration offices are now facilitating emergency stay permits at airports affected by the eruption, including I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Komodo International Airport, and El Tari International Airport in East Nusa Tenggara.
“We have instructed the heads of immigration offices in the Regional Offices of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and Bali to actively assist foreign nationals applying for emergency stay permits,” said Yuldi.
The eruption has severely disrupted flights in and out of East Nusa Tenggara, leading to the temporary closure of Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo and forcing many foreign visitors to extend their stay involuntarily.
The Indonesian government’s rapid response through immigration relief aims to ease the difficulties faced by these stranded visitors while ensuring their immigration status remains secure despite the unforeseen natural disaster.
