The global spotlight on Indonesia has never been brighter, as demonstrated by the surge in demand for residence permits. In 2024, the number of visit stay permits in Indonesia (ITK) issued to foreign travelers skyrocketed by an astounding 31 times compared to 2023.
“Directorate General of Immigration recorded 9,325,307 visit stay permits (ITK) issued this year, marking a 31-fold increase from the previous year,” stated Acting Director General of Immigration, Saffar Muhammad Godam, at the 2024 Year-End Press Briefing held in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
The increase wasn’t limited to short-term permits. Limited stay permits (ITAS) also saw a significant rise, with 259,944 issued in 2024—a 40% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the issuance of permanent stay permits (ITAP) tripled, reaching 6,437 this year.
Australia led the list of countries with the most residence permit users, recording 1.5 million individuals. It was followed by China with 1.2 million, Malaysia with 819,000, Singapore with 646,000, and India with 630,000 users.
This surge is not just a reflection of Indonesia’s growing appeal but also the result of strategic immigration policies introduced to enhance ease of access for international visitors and attract foreign investment. One standout initiative in 2024 was the Golden Visa program, launched in mid-July.
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“The Golden Visa aims to draw high-quality travelers who will invest and stay productive during their time in Indonesia,” Saffar explained.
Beyond the Golden Visa, several other measures were implemented to streamline processes for foreign nationals. The visa index was expanded to include 102 categories, while the Bridging Visa now allows residence permit holders to extend their stay without leaving the country.
The e-Visa platform was also upgraded with a new feature enabling foreigners to report changes to their personal data online, making administrative processes smoother and more efficient.
With these advancements, the Indonesian government is optimistic about the country’s future as a global tourist and investor destination. These efforts not only aim to bolster the tourism sector but also contribute to the broader national economy, solidifying Indonesia’s position on the international stage.
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