Indonesia has recently updated its visa-free travel policies. The country now allows visa-free entry for travelers from 78 countries. These include Thailand, Qatar, and Kenya. Despite this significant change, Indonesia is ranked 70th on the global passport index.
This ranking is lower than expected. The index measures the strength of a passport based on the number of countries that allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry. It shows how much freedom a passport gives to its holder. A higher rank usually means that the passport is more powerful. It allows its holder to travel more freely around the world.
The Indonesian government made this change to attract more tourists and business travelers. Tourism is an important part of the country’s economy. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism contributed 5.7% to Indonesia’s GDP. The government hopes to bring these numbers back up. They want to boost the economy after the losses suffered during the pandemic.
Details of the New Policy
The new policy includes visa-free entry for citizens from various countries. These countries are spread across different continents. For example, in Asia, countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia are included. In the Middle East, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are on the list. From Africa, Kenya and South Africa are included. In Europe, countries like Spain, Italy, and France are part of the policy.
Travelers from these countries can now enter Indonesia without needing a visa. This is expected to make it easier for tourists to visit. It should also encourage business travelers who might consider Indonesia as a destination for meetings, conferences, or other events. The government is optimistic that this will lead to an increase in the number of visitors to the country.
However, despite these efforts, Indonesia’s passport still ranks 70th on the global passport index. This is lower than countries like Singapore, Japan, and South Korea, which are ranked at the top. Even Malaysia, Indonesia’s neighbor, is ranked higher. It is important to note that the ranking considers the number of countries Indonesian passport holders can visit without a visa or with a visa on arrival. While the government has made efforts to improve its policies, the impact on the global ranking is yet to be seen.
Reasons Behind the Ranking
Several factors contribute to Indonesia’s ranking. One of the main reasons is the limited number of countries that offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Indonesian passport holders. While Indonesia has opened its borders to many countries, the reciprocity is not always the same. Many countries still require Indonesian citizens to apply for a visa before traveling. This limits the strength of the Indonesian passport.
Another factor is the security and stability of the country. Countries with a higher ranking often have strong diplomatic ties and are seen as safe and stable. This makes other countries more willing to offer visa-free access. While Indonesia is generally considered stable, there are still challenges that impact its international relations.
Additionally, economic factors play a role. Countries with stronger economies tend to have more powerful passports. This is because their citizens are seen as less likely to overstay their visa or become a financial burden on the host country. While Indonesia’s economy is growing, it still faces challenges that impact its global standing.
Government’s Response
The Indonesian government is aware of its ranking and is taking steps to improve it. The new visa-free policy is just one of the many efforts. The government is also working on strengthening diplomatic ties with other countries. They hope to negotiate more visa-free agreements for Indonesian citizens. This would allow Indonesians to travel to more countries without the need for a visa.
Additionally, the government is focusing on improving the country’s image abroad. They are promoting Indonesia as a safe and stable destination. This includes efforts to boost tourism and business travel. The government is also investing in infrastructure to support these efforts. For example, they are upgrading airports, improving transportation, and developing tourist destinations.
The government is also addressing concerns about security. They are working to improve security measures at borders and within the country. This is important to ensure that the country is seen as a safe destination for travelers. It also helps in negotiating better visa agreements with other countries.
Impact on Tourism and Economy
The new visa-free policy is expected to have a positive impact on tourism. More tourists are likely to visit Indonesia, which will boost the economy. The government is targeting a wide range of tourists, including those from neighboring countries and beyond. This includes tourists from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Business travel is also expected to increase. The government hopes that the policy will attract more international business events to Indonesia. This includes conferences, meetings, and exhibitions. These events can have a significant economic impact. They bring in not only the participants but also their spending on hotels, restaurants, and other services.
The increase in tourism and business travel is expected to create jobs. This is important for the country’s economy, especially after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourism sector employs a large number of people in Indonesia. An increase in tourists means more jobs in hotels, restaurants, transportation, and other related industries.
Indonesia’s new visa-free travel policy is a significant step forward. It opens the country to travelers from 78 different countries. However, despite this effort, Indonesia’s passport is still ranked 70th on the global index. The government is working to improve this ranking. They are focusing on increasing the number of countries that offer visa-free access to Indonesian passport holders.
The impact of the new policy on tourism and the economy is expected to be positive. More tourists and business travelers are likely to visit Indonesia. This will help boost the economy and create jobs. The government is optimistic that these efforts will lead to a stronger passport ranking in the future. However, only time will tell if these efforts will be enough to improve Indonesia’s standing on the global passport index.
