Jakarta. Indonesia is shifting its immigration policy from attracting large numbers of tourists to prioritizing higher-value visitors, while tightening oversight of foreign influencers who generate commercial content during their stay.

Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko said reports showing an 88% drop in visa-free visit applications—from 438,423 in the first half of 2025 to 52,999 in the same period this year—have been widely misunderstood.

The figure reflects only applications submitted through the government's eVisa portal, not the actual number of visa-free arrivals, he said.

Border crossing data show that 2.05 million foreign travelers entered Indonesia using the visa-free facility between Jan. 1 and July 15, 2026. By comparison, 3.99 million travelers used the scheme throughout 2025.

"Immigration is no longer focused on quantity but on quality," Hendarsam told the Jakarta Globe. "We want foreign visitors who contribute to the economy while posing minimal security risks."

The policy has also boosted government revenue despite fewer visa-free users. Non-tax state revenue (PNBP) from visa services rose 6.42% year-on-year to Rp 2.81 trillion ($173 million) in the first half of 2026 as more travelers opted for paid visas, including Visa on Arrival (VoA).

Four Criteria for Visa-Free Eligibility
Indonesia determines which countries qualify for visa-free entry based on four main considerations stipulated under Presidential Regulation No. 95/2024. These include reciprocity and mutual benefit, national security, tourism potential, and economic and investment contributions.

"These criteria determine which nationalities are eligible for visa-free entry rather than which individual travelers may enter the country," Hendarsam said.

Upon arrival, every foreign national is still subject to individual immigration screening, including document verification, profiling, and interviews conducted by immigration officers. Authorities also cross-check travelers against immigration watchlists, Interpol databases, Subject of Interest (SOI) records, and passport authentication systems before allowing entry. Currently, visa-free entry is available to citizens of 20 countries and certain designated categories of foreign nationals.

Entry may be denied to travelers listed on immigration blacklists, Interpol Red Notices, or wanted-person databases, as well as those using fraudulent documents, providing false information, or suspected of involvement in transnational crimes, human trafficking, people smuggling, or other activities deemed to threaten Indonesia's security.

Immigration data show that nationals from China, Timor-Leste, Malaysia, and Singapore accounted for the largest number of entry refusals this year. Officials said decisions are based on each individual's travel history and immigration record rather than nationality.

During the first half of 2026, authorities added 2,102 foreign nationals to Indonesia's immigration blacklist, mostly for immigration violations.

Influencers Face Closer Scrutiny
The government has also stepped up enforcement against foreign influencers, particularly in Bali, where officials say some visitors use tourist visas for commercial activities.

"Tourists remain free to post photos and videos of their vacations," Hendarsam said.

Immigration intervenes only when content creation becomes commercial, such as through sponsorship agreements, mandatory promotional posts, commissions, payments, or complimentary accommodation and services provided in exchange for promotion.

Since April, the Directorate General of Immigration has operated the Dharma Dewata Immigration Patrol Task Force in Bali, monitoring foreign influencers in tourism hubs such as Canggu and Ubud.

Authorities have broadened their interpretation of "work" to include endorsements, professional content production, and barter arrangements in which influencers receive free accommodation, meals, or other benefits in return for promotional content.

Such activities are prohibited under visa-free entry because holders are not permitted to receive compensation—whether monetary or in kind—from individuals or businesses in Indonesia.

"Promoting Indonesia is beneficial, but it does not exempt visitors from complying with immigration regulations," Hendarsam said. Enforcement focuses on the nature of the activity, the source of compensation, and the purpose of the visit rather than the size of an influencer's audience.

The immigration authority urged foreign content creators to obtain visas that match the true purpose of their visit.

Influencers traveling solely for holidays and producing personal, non-commercial content may use visa categories such as the A1 visa-free facility, B1 Visa on Arrival, or the C1 Visit Visa, depending on their nationality and travel needs.

Those planning to create professional social media content for commercial purposes are advised to apply for the C5A Content Creator Visit Visa, which is specifically designated for such activities under Indonesia's visa classification system. Immigration added that the C5A visa does not permit holders to receive salaries or compensation from Indonesian individuals or companies. Foreign nationals with employment relationships or who are paid by Indonesian entities must instead obtain the appropriate work visa and comply with other sectoral licensing requirements.

Separate visa categories also apply for journalism activities under the C5 visa and film production under the C14 visa.

"Foreign nationals should use a visa that matches the actual purpose and activities of their stay in Indonesia," he said.

Tourism Groups Urge Balanced Approach
The stricter approach has drawn concern from the tourism industry. Hariyadi Sukamdani, chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), said influencers help promote Indonesia at a time when the country's tourism marketing budget is limited.

"I don't think this is the right approach. Influencers help promote Indonesia, often at no cost to the government," Hariyadi said. "Many people discover Indonesia through their content, which encourages more tourists to visit."

One foreign content creator who regularly produces travel content in Indonesia said the policy had already affected her perception of the country.

"My first thought when I saw this was that I don't want to come to Indonesia for the next three years if the government doesn't want to see me here," she told the Jakarta Globe on condition of anonymity.

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