In an effort to boost tourism and investment in regional economic zones, Singaporean Permanent Residents (PR) can now travel visa-free to Bintan, Batam, and the Karimun Islands in Indonesia. The director-general of immigration in Indonesia, Silmy Karim, announced that PR holders will be able to stay for up to four days under the new rules. The free visit visas (BVK) allow for a short escape to enjoy nature, culinary tourism, or shopping in the Riau Islands. The ports that serve the free visit visas for Singapore PR holders include Nongsa Terminal Bahari, Marina Teluk Senimba, Batam Centre, and others.
The Riau Islands have been highlighted for their tourism potential and the presence of exclusive economic zones, such as the Nongsa SEZ in Batam and Bintan Resorts, which are geared towards digital business, creative economy, and tourism. The BVK facility aims to not only encourage tourism growth but also facilitate business opportunities and investments for Singapore PR holders in the special economic zones of Batam. While the relaxed requirements aim to attract visitors, there will still be a careful selection process in place to reduce potential disturbances to security and order in the region.
The new visa-free policy specifically targets Singapore PRs, offering a more streamlined option for short stays and weekend getaways in specific regions of Indonesia. While ASEAN member states already have visa-free entry to Indonesia for tourism purposes, this new policy focuses on strengthening ties with Singapore and promoting economic activities in the Riau Islands. With around 545,000 PRs living in Singapore, the new rules provide an opportunity for a significant number of individuals to explore and invest in neighboring Indonesian territories.
In line with efforts to attract global citizens and foreign investors, Indonesia has introduced initiatives such as golden visas and “second home” programs. Bintan and Batam have previously implemented travel initiatives to ease visits to the area, including the travel bubble zone that was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. President Joko Widodo also recently announced a list of 13 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Suriname, and Colombia, entitled to visa-free entry to Indonesia. These measures aim to stimulate economic growth and foster closer regional ties across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Overall, the visa-free travel option for Singapore PRs to Bintan, Batam, and the Karimun Islands reflects Indonesia’s efforts to promote tourism, investment, and economic development in the Riau Islands. By offering a more streamlined visa process for PR holders, Indonesia hopes to attract more visitors for short stays, weekend getaways, and potential business opportunities in the special economic zones. While the relaxed requirements aim to facilitate travel and boost the local economy, there will also be measures in place to ensure the safety and security of the region. With ongoing initiatives and partnerships, Indonesia continues to position itself as an attractive destination for global citizens and investors seeking new opportunities in Southeast Asia.
