METRO ONLINE Jakarta -- The Directorate General of Immigration has launched a free visit visa (BVK) policy for foreign nationals (WNA) holding permanent residence (PR) in Singapore to visit Batam Island, Bintan Island and Karimun Regency on Kepulauan Riau. This policy is contained in the Circular Letter of the Director General of Immigration Number IMI-940.GR.01.01 of 2024 concerning Immigration Checks for Free Visit Visa Subjects Holding Permanent Residence of Singapore which is based on the Decree of the Minister of Law and Human Rights Number M.HH-1.GR.01.07 concerning the List of Certain Immigration Checkpoints for Entry Points into Indonesian Territory for Free Visit Visa Subjects. The Ministerial Decree is a derivative regulation of Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 95 of 2024 concerning Free Visit Visas.
"The granting of BVK for Singapore PR to visit Batam, Bintan and Karimun will further facilitate them (Singapore PR holders) who want to spend weekend or just a short escape, such as enjoying nature, culinary tours or shopping. BVK users can enter through crossings on Batam Island, Bintan Island and Karimun Regency," said Silmy Karim.
The ports that serve BVK for Singapore PR include Nongsa Terminal Bahari, Marina Teluk Senimba, Batam Center, Citra Tri Tunas, Sekupang, Sri Bintan Pura, Bandar Bentan Telani Lagoi and Tanjung Balai Karimun.
According to Silmy Karim, Kepulauan Riau has many potential tourist destinations. With its strategic position, Kepulauan Riau can grow into a prime tourist destination in Indonesia which contributes to the welfare of its people. In addition, Kepulauan Riau also has several Exclusive Economic Zones, including the Nongsa SEZ in Batam and Bintan Resorts, which are integrated areas for digital business, the creative economy and tourism.
"In addition to encouraging tourism growth, the BVK facility to Batam, Bintan and Karimun also makes it easier for Singapore PR holders who are interested in business or investment in the SEZ in Batam. However, this policy also properly screens foreigners who enter so that the potential for security and order disturbances can be suppressed," concluded the DirectorGeneral of Immigration.
