Ministry of Immigration and Corrections
Directorate General of Immigration
DEN HAAG (24/10/2023) – Indonesian citizens living abroad can now apply for an electronic passport at the Indonesian Missions abroad, whose issuance system has been integrated with SIMKIM (Immigration Management Information System). This policy was confirmed by the Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, in a coordination meeting with Immigration Attachés from 22 Indonesian Embassies around the world on Tuesday (24/10/2023) at 10.50 Den Haag time.
"The Directorate General of Immigration continuously evaluates immigration policies. In the context of passports, there is a need for Indonesian citizens living abroad to be able to access electronic passport services easily. Especially for professionals and frequent travelers," said Silmy.
He explained that ease of access to electronic passport for these subjects is important because of its advanced features compare to ordinary passport. This affects the visa application process to countries that provide easier visa approval preferences for electronic passport users.
"So holding an electronic passport makes Indonesian citizens who travel frequently to feel more confident in applying for a visa," he said.
At the inauguration of the electronic passport service at the Indonesian Mission abroad, the Director General of Immigration symbolically handed over the Indonesian electronic passport to the Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands, H. E. Mayerfas. Silmy also gave electronic passports, which were first issued, to two (2) Indonesian citizens in the Netherlands. "Hopefully it will be beneficial for Indonesian living abroad," he said.
Electronic passports contain more complete data, namely facial biometric data and the holder's fingerprints. This data is stored on the chip and can be scanned. Some of the conveniences that electronic passport holders get include visa-free facilities for short visits to Japan by preregistration method. Apart from that, Indonesian citizens who apply for a visa to European countries can get a longer visa validity period compared to applying for a visa using an ordinary non-electronic passport.
"I always emphasize to all levels of immigration officials to continue improving services to the community and add new immigration products/policies as well as easier ways to obtain them. Hopefully this will improve
Last updated 17 January 2024
