Indonesia suspends visa exemption policy on 159 countries

Indonesia’s visa-free visit policy for 159 countries was revoked based on the outcomes of a benefit-based evaluation, stated President Joko Widodo on June 21.
Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia’s visa-free visit policyfor 159 countries was revoked based on the outcomes of a benefit-basedevaluation, stated President Joko Widodo on June 21.

In the past, Indonesia allowed free entry, and now thecountry is evaluating whether it benefits itself or the country needs to openaccess for a country or not, the Indonesian leader was quoted by local media assaying.

He said that not only Indonesia but other countries willcertainly evaluate their visa exemption policy.

After the visa exemption policy is revoked for 159countries, nationals from only 10 countries can enter Indonesia without avisitor visa.

The 10 countries are ASEAN countries comprising Brunei, the Philippines, Cambodia,Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, and Timor Leste.

Foreign nationals who enter under the visa exemptionpolicy are allowed to remain in Indonesia for up to 30 days, and their staycannot be extended.

They are required only to present a valid passport with a validity of at leastsix months and a return or onward journey ticket at an Indonesian immigrationcheckpoint to enter under the visa-free policy.

The decision was given following a Ministry of Law and HumanRights decree issued on June 7. The decision stated that the visaexemption policy has affected the lives of residents in Indonesia, as it is afactor that caused immigration violations, public order disruption, andtransmission of diseases./.
VNA

See more

Indonesia eyes trade breakthrough with EAEU via FTA

Indonesia eyes trade breakthrough with EAEU via FTA

Indonesia seeks to develop relations with all countries and sees itself as a bridge between different regions of the world. Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical and global economic uncertainty, strengthening international cooperation and building reliable supply chains have become more important than ever.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (R) at Nation TV’s 26th anniversary event on June 4, 2026. (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand prioritises OECD accession

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul the country’s bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD, is central to the government’s economic agenda.

ASEAN aims to become global digital economy hub

ASEAN aims to become global digital economy hub

Studies indicate that the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) could help raise ASEAN’s digital economy value to 2 trillion USD by 2030 while transforming the region into a connected, comprehensive and sustainable digital economy hub on the global stage.

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Seri Fadillah Yusof speaks at the Energy Transition Conference 2026 (ETCon26) in Kuala Lumpur on June 3. (Photo: VNA)

Malaysia accelerates energy transition

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Seri Fadillah Yusof noted that for both Malaysia and ASEAN, the transition is not only an environmental imperative but also an economic necessity and a strategic priority.

A pregnant woman receives a routine pregnancy check-up at a hospital. (Photo: VNA)

ILO report highlights gaps in maternity benefits across ASEAN

The report calls for extending maternity protection to all women, including workers in the informal economy; strengthening financing mechanisms to ensure sustainability and adequacy of benefits; and aligning maternity protection policies with broader social protection, health and care policies.

President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta (L) at the leadership lecture in Jakarta on June 2 hosted by the ERIA School of Government under the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). (Photo: ERIA)

Timor-Leste President shares vision for peacebuilding, ASEAN integration

Drawing on his experience as a diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Ramos-Horta cited the reconciliation process between Timor-Leste and Indonesia as a model for peacebuilding. He paid tribute to former Indonesian leaders for their contributions to normalising bilateral ties, stressing that friendship and cooperation ultimately prevailed over past divisions and laid the foundation for Southeast Asia's stability today.

Southeast Asia tourism sustains rebound

Southeast Asia tourism sustains rebound

Indonesia welcomed 4.68 million foreigners in the first four months, an 8.24% hike from a year earlier and the highest tally for the period since the COVID-19 outbreak, its Central Bureau of Statistics said on June 3.

 Indonesia replaces free school meal programme chief after food poisoning scandals

Indonesia replaces free school meal programme chief after food poisoning scandals

The free meal initiative forms part of Indonesia’s broader effort to tackle chronic malnutrition, with more than 20% of children in the country still affected by stunting caused by inadequate nutrition. Jakarta’s long-term goal is to provide meals to around 82.9 million children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, equivalent to more than 30% of the national population.

SAANSOOK application supports holistic health management and promotes workplace wellness to help reduce non-communicable diseases among working-age people. (Photo: SAANSOOK)

Thailand launches AI-powered tool to combat non-communicable diseases

Developed under the “DOPA” strategy – Data, Outcomes, Partners and AI-driven, the SAANSOOK application tracks four key health behaviours: eating, sleeping, exercising and relaxation. It encourages users to adopt healthier lifestyles through challenges and rewards aimed at sustaining long-term behavioural change.