Indonesia to loosen entry procedures for foreign yachts

Indonesia will reduce processes involved in the issuance of entry permit for foreign yachts to anchor at the country’s 18 piers in order to increase foreign tourists via seaway.

Indonesia will reduce processes involved in the issuance of entry permit for foreign yachts to anchor at the country’s 18 piers in order to increase foreign tourists via seaway.

 Illustrative image (Source: en.tempo.co)

In 2015, the Indonesian Government issued regulations allowing foreign vessels to receive tourists at five piers including Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Belawan and Bali.

The decision aims to help the country attract 2,200 yachts and 1.8 million visitors in 2016, compared to last year’s 1,500 yachts and 1.3 million visitors.

About 530 cruise liners are expected to visit Indonesia in 2016 in comparison with 460 units in 2015.

Several Indonesia’s neighbouring countries such as Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand have welcomed a large number of yachts thanks to their easier entry permit procedures.

Simplifying administrative procedures and increasing the number of piers are expected to boost the country’s competitiveness in sea tourism.