Indonesia and EU Strengthen Ties: New Visa Policy Simplifies Travel Between Indonesia and Europe – Travel And Tour World

In an important step towards strengthening ties between Indonesia and the European Union (EU), a new agreement has been reached that will make it easier for Indonesian citizens to travel to Europe. The agreement, part of the broader Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU CEPA), was officially announced on July 13, 2025, during a meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. This development is poised to simplify travel for Indonesian citizens visiting EU countries, especially for those who have visited Europe before.

The new policy will particularly benefit Indonesian travelers who are visiting the EU for the second time or more. Under this new framework, these travelers will be eligible for a multi-entry Schengen visa, allowing them to visit multiple EU countries without having to apply for a new visa each time. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance the interconnectivity between the EU and Indonesia, fostering closer ties between the two regions, not only in terms of travel but also in economic and societal cooperation.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations: The Indonesia-EU Partnership

The announcement of the multi-entry Schengen visa is part of a broader effort to enhance bilateral relations between Indonesia and the EU. Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the interconnectivity between the EU’s and Indonesia’s societies is crucial for strengthening their cooperation in various fields, including business, education, and cultural exchange. With the new visa policy, both parties hope to facilitate easier travel for citizens, fostering more personal and professional connections between Europeans and Indonesians.

As part of this initiative, it was highlighted that the easing of travel restrictions and visa requirements would not only enhance tourism but also encourage other forms of cooperation. This includes boosting investment opportunities, facilitating overseas studies, and strengthening societal bonds. Von der Leyen explained that the new visa framework was just one part of a much larger vision aimed at building a deeper, more mutually beneficial relationship between the EU and Indonesia.

By simplifying the visa process for Indonesian travelers, the EU hopes to encourage greater interaction between the two regions. This move is expected to benefit both tourism and the global economy by fostering a greater exchange of ideas, culture, and business opportunities. The change in visa policy, making it easier for frequent Indonesian travelers to enter the EU, is just one of the several steps being taken to promote broader engagement between the two regions.

Impact on Travel and Economic Cooperation

For many Indonesian citizens, traveling to the EU has often been a cumbersome process due to the visa application requirements. While the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries, has long been a popular destination for Indonesian travelers, the application process for a visa has often been seen as complex and time-consuming. However, with the new multi-entry visa policy, frequent travelers will no longer have to go through the hassle of applying for a new visa for each visit, thus making it easier for them to plan business trips, study abroad, or simply explore European destinations.

Ursula von der Leyen expressed that this move would not only facilitate travel but also help strengthen the economic relationship between Indonesia and the EU. She mentioned that the ease of travel would encourage greater investment and international collaboration, which could benefit both economies. The potential for increased economic cooperation, she explained, extends to multiple sectors, including agriculture, automotive industries, and services, all of which stand to gain from this closer collaboration.

One of the key aspects of this visa agreement is the ability to simplify travel for business professionals, students, and other individuals involved in cross-border activities. With the facilitation of travel, both Indonesian and EU citizens can better participate in each other’s economies, leading to more opportunities for trade, innovation, and mutual development.

The Broader Vision of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

The new visa policy is part of a broader context that includes the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU CEPA). This agreement is set to create significant economic opportunities for both parties, particularly in sectors crucial for the global economy. Von der Leyen highlighted that this agreement would strengthen the supply chain for important raw materials necessary for the energy and digital transitions, ensuring a secure and sustainable supply for both Indonesia and the EU.

The focus on sustainability and responsibility is a significant part of the agreement, as both parties emphasize the importance of environmental respect and the well-being of local communities. This aligns with global efforts to move toward more responsible and sustainable economic practices. Von der Leyen pointed out that the goal is not only to secure economic growth but also to create decent jobs and ensure that the local communities benefit from these developments.

Indonesia’s strategic location as an emerging economic power and a key supplier of natural resources makes it an important partner for the EU. This partnership, underpinned by the IEU CEPA, will contribute to the region’s long-term economic prosperity by fostering growth, innovation, and sustainability in several sectors. As the relationship between the EU and Indonesia strengthens, the integration of these two economies will create vast opportunities for businesses, investors, and travelers alike.

Increased Connectivity and Opportunities for Indonesian Citizens

The visa policy change, along with the broader economic agreement, is expected to have a positive impact on Indonesian citizens. The ability to travel easily to the EU opens up new opportunities for education, work, and tourism. With more streamlined visa processes, students from Indonesia can more easily attend universities in Europe, enhancing the flow of talent and fostering greater cultural exchange between the two regions.

Indonesian businesses will also benefit from improved connectivity, making it easier for entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities in the European market. By facilitating travel, the new visa policy encourages greater collaboration between Indonesian companies and their European counterparts, boosting innovation, trade, and investment opportunities. The added convenience of the multi-entry visa also means that business leaders will have more freedom to visit European trade fairs, conferences, and meetings without the burden of a complicated visa application process.

Tourists from Indonesia will likewise benefit from the ease of travel, with the new visa policy opening doors to more frequent visits to Europe’s iconic destinations. From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the canals of Venice, the opportunity to explore Europe’s rich cultural heritage has always been a major draw for Indonesian travelers. With fewer barriers to entry, this opportunity becomes more accessible to a larger number of people.

Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds for Indonesia-EU Relations

The announcement of the new visa policy is just one of many steps in the growing relationship between Indonesia and the European Union. As both parties continue to engage in various sectors, from trade to education and tourism, the benefits of these strengthened ties are likely to continue to unfold. The easing of travel restrictions is expected to be a catalyst for further growth in tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between the two regions.

Looking to the future, both Indonesia and the EU are committed to fostering long-term cooperation. The visa-free entry for Indonesian citizens is expected to evolve over time, with more opportunities for travelers to engage with the EU and its member states. This development promises to facilitate even greater integration between Indonesia and the EU, benefiting citizens on both sides.

In the coming years, the expansion of the IEU CEPA agreement will likely pave the way for more comprehensive collaborations across various industries. As the relationship deepens, Indonesia and the EU could set a new standard for global economic cooperation, sustainability, and cultural exchange.

Conclusion: Strengthening Ties and Opening New Opportunities

The agreement on reciprocal visa-free travel is a monumental step in the relationship between Indonesia and the European Union. It simplifies the process for Indonesian citizens to travel to Europe, opening doors for greater engagement in business, education, and tourism. As the two regions continue to strengthen their economic ties through initiatives like the IEU CEPA, the future of travel between them looks increasingly promising. By fostering greater cooperation, encouraging mutual growth, and opening up opportunities for cultural exchange, both Indonesia and the EU are well on their way to building a more interconnected, prosperous future.