Gov't to Grant Visa Exemption to 47 Countries  

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Rizal Ramli said that the government will provide visa exemption for 47 countries. Previously in June 10, 2015, Indonesia had just applied visa exemption policy for 45 countries including ASEAN member states. "So there will be a total of 92 countries that will receive visa exxemption," Rizal said on Tuesday, September 1, 2015.

Rizal said that decision to grant visa exemption to more countries was aimed at increasing the number of foreign tourist visits in an attempt to increase the country's foreign exchange reserves. "We expect [the visa exemption] could boost foreign tourist [visits] and create new jobs," Rizal said.

The 47 countries include, among others, Australia, Vatican, and San-Marino. The countries were selected based on criteria set by the government. "Countries with drugs, economic stability and radicalism issues will not be granted visa exemption," said Rizal.

The policy will be effective starting in October 2015. Therefore, Rizal said his ministry has coordinated with the Directorate General of Immigration in relation to security and surveillance system for foreign tourist.

DEVY ERNIS