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Indonesia has granted Turkish citizens visa-free travel privileges for one month, marking what officials describe as a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two nations.
The new policy, which took effect Thursday, allows Turkish nationals to enter Indonesia for short-term visits without obtaining a visa beforehand. The measure stems from a regulation issued by Indonesia's Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs and represents the culmination of diplomatic efforts between Ankara and Jakarta.
"For me, this is a very important turning point in our relations. I think this is a noteworthy step in bilateral relations. This decision will deepen people-to-people interaction between our countries," said Achmad Rizal Purnama, Indonesia's ambassador to Türkiye, in an interview with Anadolu Agency.
The visa waiver comes as tourism between the two countries has shown robust growth. More than 50,000 Turkish citizens visited Indonesia in 2024, while approximately 300,000 Indonesian nationals traveled to Türkiye during the same period, according to embassy figures.
Ambassador Purnama emphasized that the visa exemption reflects Indonesia's strategic partnership with Türkiye. "Granting visa exemption not only deepens people-to-people contacts, but also shows how much Indonesia values Türkiye as a strategic partner," he said. The decision represents "a symbol of mutual trust and faith" between the nations.
The diplomatic breakthrough extends beyond tourism. Recent weeks have seen significant developments in defense cooperation, including an agreement for Indonesia to purchase 48 units of Türkiye's domestically produced KAAN fighter aircraft. The countries also maintain collaboration in healthcare and energy sectors.
"I am sure that this positive momentum will continue to increase in the very near future. The visa issue is just one example of this. Many more beautiful developments and surprises are on the way," Purnama said.
For Turkish visitors, Purnama recommended exploring Indonesia's cultural diversity beyond the popular tourist destination of Bali. "Indonesia is not just about Bali, there is much more beyond Bali," he said, highlighting destinations including Jakarta, the ancient Borobudur Temple, Raja Ampat islands, and Komodo Island.
The 9th-century Borobudur Temple, Indonesia's largest Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflects the country's ancient civilization. The ambassador also recommended Raja Ampat for nature lovers and diving enthusiasts, and Komodo Island for its distinctive pink sand beaches.
Beyond bilateral relations, both nations collaborate within international platforms including the G20, MIKTA, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. As two major Muslim-majority countries, both nations carry responsibilities not only for their own populations but for the broader Islamic community and global stability.
"Our goal is to build a more just, more stable world," Purnama concluded, emphasizing the shared commitment between the two G20 members to promote international cooperation and stability.
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