EU Visa Access for Indonesians: Eased Policy After Prabowo’s Brussels Trip

The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has introduced a new visa policy to facilitate Indonesian citizens’ entry into the European Union. Effective immediately, Indonesians on their second visit to the EU will be eligible for a multi-entry Schengen visa. The announcement was made during a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Berlaymont Building in Brussels. Von der Leyen highlighted that the policy aims to strengthen long-term ties between Indonesia and the EU, particularly in areas like education, investment, and social exchange. This initiative falls under the people-to-people connections pillar of the EU–Indonesia strategic partnership, emphasizing the importance of building bridges between the two regions’ populations. President Prabowo expressed his support for deepening EU–Indonesia relations and enhancing people’s mobility between the two sides. He emphasized the significance of trust and shared values in fostering a long-lasting partnership, extending beyond trade and economics to include values, solidarity, and a shared vision for the future. President Prabowo also expressed optimism about finalizing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and potentially holding the signing ceremony in Brussels. The new visa policy and growing economic partnership signify a new chapter in EU–Indonesia relations, characterized by increased openness, strategic collaboration, and mutual benefits for citizens of both regions.

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