Jakarta, IO – House of Representatives’ Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) deputy chair Putu Supadma said Papua New Guinea’s parliament has ratified the bill on visa-free visit for Indonesians.
“The visa-free ratification for Indonesian citizens to Papua New Guinea has been drawn up, ratified, and signed,” said Putu, per Tempo, Wednesday (5/7).
Putu said it only needs to wait for the official announcement from Papua New Guinea govenrment, The agreement has been realized from the inaugural direct flight from Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport to Jacksons Port Moresby International Airport.
“This is historic for both countries,” said Putu.
In addition, Putu hopes the visa-free policy can be discussed during President Joko Widodo’s visit to Papua New Guinea, scheduled for Wednesday-Thursday, July 5-6.
Before visiting Papua New Guinea, Jokowi first visited Sydney, Australia. Jokowi was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a sign of closer relations between the two countries.
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Albanese said he would extend the validity period of business visa for Indonesians from three to five years. In addition, the visa processing for Indonesians will be expedited.
“Indonesians will get access to a business visa extension from three to five years,” said Anthony, per CNBC Indonesia. (un)