Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Menparekraf/Kabaparekraf) Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno announced that the Visa on Arrival (VoA) policy for international tourists in the Riau Islands is in its final stages. During a press conference at Southlink Country Club, Batam, on Saturday, June 29, 2024, Menparekraf Sandiaga, along with Riau Islands Governor Anshar Ahmad, discussed the imminent implementation of this policy. Sandiaga stated that after a prolonged effort, the final formulation, which includes regulations for expatriates residing in Singapore and tourist visits, was signed and will soon be ratified through a Presidential Regulation.
The VoA scheme will offer two duration options: a 30-day visa priced at IDR 500,000 and a short-term 7-day visa priced at IDR 100,000. Sandiaga mentioned that the short-term visa rate, approximately USD 10, is also under consideration. This initiative aims to boost the tourism sector in the region. Governor Anshar Ahmad expressed his appreciation for the steps taken by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, highlighting the positive impact on the local tourism industry's morale. The announcement was also attended by Fransiskus Handoko, Director of National and International Events at Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf, and Guntur Sakti, Head of the Riau Islands Provincial Tourism Office.
