Permanent residents in Singapore now have the opportunity to travel visa-free to Bintan, Batam, and the Karimun Islands in Indonesia, allowing them to stay for up to four days under the new rules. This initiative aims to boost tourism and investment in the regional economic zones, making it easier for Singapore PR holders to enjoy short escapes or explore nature, culinary tourism, and shopping in the Riau Islands. The BVK facility will allow entry through various port points in the Riau region, including Batam Island, Bintan Island, and the Karimun Regency area.
The ports serving the free visit visas for Singapore PR holders include Nongsa Terminal Bahari, Marina Teluk Senimba, Batam Centre, Citra Tri Tunas, and others. Indonesia’s director-general of immigration highlighted the tourism potential of the Riau Islands and the various exclusive economic zones in the area, such as the Nongsa SEZ in Batam and Bintan Resorts. The BVK facility not only promotes tourism growth but also facilitates business and investment activities for Singapore PR holders interested in the special economic zones in Batam.
While the new policy offers a streamlined visa-free option targeting Singapore PRs, it remains important to carefully select incoming foreigners to reduce potential disturbances to security and order. The selection process for visitors was not elaborated on in the statement by Mr. Silmy. With around 545,000 PRs living in Singapore, this initiative provides them with easier access to travel to Bintan, Batam, and the Karimun Islands, enhancing their opportunities for short escapes and business or investment activities in the Riau Islands.
Indonesia has introduced various initiatives, such as “second home” and golden visas for wealthy global citizens and foreign investors. Bintan and Batam have previously implemented initiatives to facilitate travel in the area, including the travel bubble zone introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. President Joko Widodo recently announced a list of 13 countries and regions entitled to visa-free entry to Indonesia, which included Hong Kong, Suriname, and Colombia, in addition to ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste.
This new visa-free policy for Singapore PRs represents a focused effort on specific regions to enhance tourism and investment opportunities in the Riau Islands. By providing easier access for Singapore PR holders to visit Bintan, Batam, and the Karimun Islands, Indonesia aims to promote economic growth in the area while also encouraging business and investment activities in the special economic zones. As the initiative unfolds, it will be important to continue monitoring and adjusting the policy to maintain security and order while maximizing the benefits for both countries and their residents.
