Indonesian Citizens Overseas Can Apply For Electronic Passports

Illustration of passports issued by Indonesian Immigration. (Between)

The Directorate General of Immigration said Indonesian citizens (WNI) living abroad can now get an electronic passport. They can apply at the office of the Representative of the Republic of Indonesia whose passport issuance system has been integrated with the Immigration Management Information System (SIMKIM).

"In the context of passports, there is a need for Indonesian citizens living abroad to be able to easily access electronic passport services. Especially for professionals and frequent travelers," said Director General (Dirjen) of Immigration Silmy Karim in a written statement, Friday, October 27.

Silmy said the ease of access to electronic passports was important because the features were more up-to-date than ordinary passports.

This has an effect in the visa application process to countries that tend to provide visas to electronic passport users more easily.

"So that the ownership of this electronic passport provides comfort to Indonesian citizens who often travel in submitting visa applications," he said.

Electronic passports contain more complete data, namely facial biometric data and fingerprints of the holder. This data is stored in a chip and can be scanned.

Some of the conveniences obtained by electronic passport owners include visa-free facilities for short visits to Japan by first registering.

In addition, Indonesian citizens who apply for visas to European countries can get a longer validity period of visas when compared to applying for visas using non-electronic regular passports.

"I always emphasize to all immigration ranks to continue to improve services to the community and add new immigration products/policies as well as easier ways to get them. Hopefully this will be more visible and felt by the community," he said.