The European Union will now offer multi-entry Schengen visas to Indonesian citizens returning to the region for a second time, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on July 13, during a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Brussels.
The decision marks a significant step in strengthening EU-Indonesia relations and comes as both parties prepare to finalize the long-awaited Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a major trade pact that will eliminate tariffs on the vast majority of Indonesian exports to the EU.
“I’m happy to announce that the European Commission has adopted a decision on a visa cascade,” von der Leyen said. “This means that from now on, Indonesian nationals visiting the EU for a second time will be eligible for a multi-entry Schengen visa.”
The Schengen visa allows travelers to move freely within 29 European countries. They form together the Schengen Area, without or with limited internal border checks. The multi-entry visa is valid for one to five years depending on the applicant’s travel history. It then permits stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Its attribution typically supports tourism, business, study, or family visits.
This streamlined visa access is likely to boost travel, investment, educational exchange, and cultural ties between Indonesia and Europe. Von der Leyen emphasized that the move would make it easier for Indonesians to engage with Europe across various sectors. The measure will consequently ensure a much quicker and easier access to multiple-entry visas.
“This facility will enable Indonesian citizens to visit, study, invest, and build lasting connections in the EU,” she said.
Indonesian travelers to Europe stay on average 7.1 nights and spend USD1,330 per person per trip according to the most recent (2019) study on “the South-East Asian Outbound Travel Market” by the European Travel Commission.
Von der Leyen also underlined the shared values between the EU and Indonesia. She noted both regions’ commitment to democracy and inclusivity.
“We’re both vibrant, diverse democracies. Indonesia’s national motto is ‘Unity in Diversity,’ and one of the EU’s founding principles is ‘United in Diversity.’ We clearly share common values and global ambitions,” she said.
Von der Leyen also pointed to the two regions’ partnership in tackling climate change. The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) particularly supports Indonesia’s move toward sustainable energy without leaving communities behind.
The joint announcements signal a new chapter in EU-Indonesia relations, built on trust, shared values, and expanding opportunities for cooperation.
