Indonesia has slashed the number of visa-free entries granted to foreign visitors by nearly 88% in the first half of 2026, as authorities tighten border controls under a stricter immigration policy aimed at protecting national security while supporting economic growth.

The Directorate General of Immigration issued 52,999 Visa-Free Visit (BVK) permits between January and June this year, down 87.91% from 438,423 during the same period in 2025. The sharp decline reflects the government’s selective immigration policy, which prioritises foreign nationals considered capable of contributing to Indonesia’s economy while minimising potential security risks.

“We are prioritising digital transformation and a selective policy to ensure that every foreign national entering Indonesia contributes added value to the national economy without compromising national security,” Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko said in a statement on Sunday.

Despite the significant reduction in visa-free entries, Indonesia recorded higher revenue from visa services. Non-Tax State Revenue generated through the visa sector reached approximately Rp2.81 trillion, an increase of 6.42% compared with the first half of last year.

Overall, Indonesia issued 3,924,500 visas during the first six months of 2026, a 6.77% decline year-on-year. Visa on Arrival (VoA) remained the country’s most popular entry permit, accounting for 3,481,490 issuances. It was followed by the C1 Visit Visa with 113,323 approvals and the C20 visa, issued primarily for equipment installation activities, with 83,852 issuances.

The government’s Golden Visa programme, designed to attract long-term investors and highly skilled professionals, recorded 143 issuances during the same period.

Australia remained Indonesia’s largest source of international visitors, with 848,802 arrivals between January and June. China ranked second with 668,432 arrivals, followed by India (334,107), South Korea (202,101) and the United States (186,463).

Immigration authorities also stepped up enforcement against foreigners found violating Indonesian immigration laws. During the first half of the year, officials carried out 10,911 administrative immigration actions, including the cancellation of 3,260 residence permits and the deportation of foreign nationals who breached immigration regulations.

Authorities also initiated criminal proceedings against 23 foreign nationals, while 2,102 people listed on Indonesia’s immigration blacklist were denied entry, most due to previous immigration violations.

At border checkpoints across the country, immigration officers delayed the departure of 1,704 high-risk travellers and prevented 401 Indonesian citizens and 36 foreign nationals from leaving Indonesia at the request of law enforcement agencies.

“Every administrative action, from entry bans to deportation, is part of our efforts to screen the quality of foreign nationals entering Indonesia and minimise potential risks to national security and public order,” Marantoko said.