Did you know that Indonesia has opened its doors to certain countries and Singapore Permanent Residents (PR) for visa-free visit to the Riau Islands? This new privilege is part of Presidential Regulation Number 95 of 2024, offering easier access to this region for a select group of travelers.
While Singapore citizens and residents from other Southeast Asian countries have long enjoyed this benefit, the recent expansion now includes Singapore PR holders, along with citizens from Suriname, Colombia, and Hong Kong. This visa-free visit to the Riau Islands comes as Indonesia aims to attract more quality visitors to its shores, with the Riau Islands being a key focus due to its proximity to Singapore.
According to Anggit Suhandono from the Directorate of Immigration Traffic, this decision was carefully considered, with input from several ministries.
“Presidential Regulation 95 was officially enacted on August 29, 2024, following recommendations from key ministries such as the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs,” Anggit explained during an online briefing on Monday (October 14, 2024).
He further clarified that the new regulation allows for visa-free visits from 13 countries, with Singapore PR holders now included. “The inclusion of Singapore PR holders is because they have been vetted and accredited by the Singaporean government,” he added.
The rationale behind this policy change is clear: Singapore PR holders, given their status, are seen as well-established individuals who could bring economic benefits to the region. Anggit pointed out that their presence could boost both the tourism and creative economy sectors in the Riau Islands.
While Indonesia had previously granted visa-free entry to 169 countries in 2019, the new regulation significantly narrows this down to just 13 countries, along with Singapore PR holders. Though this marks a decline in overall tourist numbers, Anggit emphasized that the focus now is on attracting higher-quality visitors.
“There has been a 29% decrease in tourist arrivals as of October 2024 compared to 2019. However, Indonesia is successfully targeting good quality tourism and travelers,” he stated during his presentation.
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For Singapore PR holders, the visa-free visit is valid for only four days and cannot be extended or converted to other visa types. Visitors must also enter and exit through specific Immigration Checkpoints (TPI) in Batam, including Nongsa (Nongsapura), Marina, Batam Centre, Citra TriTunas, Sekupang, Sri Bintan, Bandar Bentan Telani Lagoi, and Tanjung Balai Karimun.
There are a few important requirements that Singapore PR holders need to meet. First, they must hold Permanent Resident status in Singapore and possess a blue National Registration Identity Card (NRIC).
“What are the specific requirements for these PR holders? First, they must have Permanent Resident status in Singapore. Second, they must be NRIC cardholders, which is a blue identity card,” Anggit explained.
Additionally, they cannot be from countries requiring a Calling Visa, and their movements will be restricted to the Riau Islands. “They must enter and exit the country through the Riau Islands; they’re not allowed to travel beyond the region,” he clarified.
The application process for this visa-free entry can be done manually or electronically. So far, around 150 Singapore PR holders have entered Indonesia using this privilege through the seven designated TPIs.
