Jakarta. Indonesia is allowing foreigners to get emergency stay permits and waiving overstay fees after eruptions at Mount Anak Krakatau fueled severe travel disruptions. 

Some of Indonesia’s airports, including the main international airport Soekarno-Hatta, had halted operations after the volcanic ash was detected in their airspace. This has caused countless foreigners to be stranded. 

Immigration office director-general Hendarsam Marantoko said Monday that the emergency stay permits would be available to those whose journeys were affected by the volcanic eruptions. 

“We will implement a Rp 0 fee for foreigners who have to overstay because of this force majeure,” Hendarsam was quoted as saying by the state news agency Antara.

An emergency stay permit may only last for no more than 30 days. Travelers can apply for another extension of up to 30 days, although terms and conditions apply. 

To request a permit, travelers must submit a statement from the civil aviation authority, their airline, or airport authority to the airport's immigration counters. They must also bring their travel documents and current stay permit details. 

The Soekarno-Hatta Airport resumed operations in the early hours of Tuesday after a two-day closure. Flights are expected to take place in phases. Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has ordered airport authorities and airlines to make sure that everything — starting from the runway to aircraft — is safe for flight and ash-free.

“Even though operations have resumed, we currently have around 178 aircraft at Soekarno-Hatta. … Before any plane takes off, we would like to ensure its airworthiness. So, we need a little extra time for preparations,” Dudy told the press.

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