Batam – Six visa policy initiatives are strengthening the position of the Riau Islands (Kepri) as Indonesia’s main cross-border tourism gateway. Located close to Singapore and Malaysia, the province continues to leverage its strategic geography to attract more international visitors.
Vice Chairman of the Riau Islands Chapter of the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association (ASPPI), Buralimar, emphasized that ease of access is the key factor in improving regional competitiveness. Flexible and tourist-friendly visa policies, he said, have directly increased visitor arrivals.
Kepri’s role as Indonesia’s front porch of tourism is reinforced by steady tourist flows from neighboring countries, especially for short trips. This has positioned the province not only as a tourism destination but also as a driver of regional economic growth.
The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has introduced a pro-tourism approach through six key visa policies:
- Visa-free entry for 13 countries
- 30-day Visa on Arrival
- 7-day short visit visa
Visa-free access for Singapore Permanent Residents (4 days)
Visa-free access for Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) holders (4 days)
Visa-free access for Singapore Student Pass holders (4 days)
These policies have significantly increased tourist numbers, extended length of stay, and boosted local economic activity across hotels, restaurants, transport services, and MSMEs.
“When access is simplified, tourists come more frequently, stay longer, and spend more. This creates a strong positive economic impact for Kepri,” Buralimar stated.
To maximize these benefits, ASPPI recommends strengthening international promotion, improving entry point services through digitalization and autogates, and enhancing flexibility in Golden Visa and Second Home Visa schemes.
With strong synergy between government and industry, the Riau Islands are poised to grow not only as a tourism destination but also as a new hub for trade, tourism, and investment. (Red)
