JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesian citizens seeking easier access to Europe’s Schengen Area are in luck. The Indonesian government has forged a collaboration with the European Union to implement a “visa cascade,” streamlining travel for WNI (Warga Negara Indonesia).
This initiative promises to bolster connectivity, spur business growth, and strengthen bilateral economic ties between Indonesia and the EU.
“This is a significant step forward,” declared Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, at the policy launch in Jakarta on Thursday, July 31, 2025. “The visa application process will become simpler and more efficient, with longer validity periods, providing greater flexibility for our citizens.”
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This landmark policy follows a productive bilateral meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium.
Five-Year Visas for Experienced Indonesian Travelers
Under this groundbreaking new policy, Indonesian citizens with a proven track record of using Schengen visas within the past three years now have the opportunity to obtain multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. The key requirement: their passport must maintain the same validity period.
This offers a considerable advantage, especially for business professionals, academics, and tourists who frequently travel across European countries.
“It’s not just about tourism; it’s also about attending trade shows, meeting investors, conducting market research, and building business networks,” explained Airlangga. “This type of mobility is crucial for our economic growth.”
Data from 2024 reveals that Indonesians submitted over 203,000 Schengen visa applications, making Indonesia the 13th largest applicant globally and third in ASEAN, trailing only Thailand and the Philippines.
Boosting Exports and Research Collaboration
Airlangga elaborated that numerous Indonesian companies regularly participate in major European exhibitions such as Hannover Messe in Germany, Paris Fashion Week, Ambiente Frankfurt, and MEDICA Düsseldorf.
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“This participation has unlocked greater export opportunities for Indonesian products in the European market, while also offering consumers there more variety and competitive prices,” he stated.
Beyond trade, the government also envisions broader collaboration in research and development (R&D), technology, and innovation. Young people and startups are encouraged to leverage this policy to expand their international networks and knowledge.
Airlangga also expressed his hope for the swift implementation of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA).
“If all goes smoothly, we hope that trade tariffs can be reduced to zero percent next year. This is undoubtedly a significant opportunity for increased exports,” he projected.
European Union Response
Denis Chaibi, the European Union Ambassador to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, stated that the visa cascade policy aims to create more practical and predictable mobility for visa holders.
“This system allows Indonesian citizens to make multiple trips within a certain period without having to apply for a new visa each time. This is efficient in terms of both time and cost,” Chaibi explained.
He expressed his hope that more business leaders and professionals from Indonesia will take advantage of these conveniences to expand cooperation with EU member states.
Airlangga emphasized that these benefits extend beyond the economic sector, strengthening people-to-people connections, education, and cultural exchange.
“The government fully supports the implementation of this new visa policy. We also urge all parties—from students and tourists to business people—to seize this opportunity wisely and responsibly,” Airlangga concluded.
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Ringkasan
A new “visa cascade” policy between Indonesia and the European Union aims to simplify Schengen visa applications for Indonesian citizens (WNI). This initiative, launched on July 31, 2025, promises easier and more efficient visa processes, longer validity periods, and greater flexibility for Indonesian travelers, particularly those with a history of using Schengen visas.
Under the new policy, Indonesians with a proven track record can obtain multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, provided their passports maintain the same validity. This is expected to boost business growth, exports, research collaboration, and strengthen bilateral economic ties between Indonesia and the EU by facilitating easier travel for business professionals, academics, and tourists.