Indonesia and Nepal have taken a significant step forward in their diplomatic relationship by formally entering into a visa-free agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports. This agreement, signed on September 22 during a meeting in New York between Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Retno Marsudi, and Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, signifies a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
The new agreement allows diplomatic and official passport holders from both countries to enter each other’s territories without the need for a visa. This is expected to facilitate smoother travel for government officials and enhance diplomatic exchanges and collaboration between the two nations.
Alongside the visa-free agreement, the ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a formal bilateral consultation mechanism. This MoU aims to foster more structured and frequent dialogues between the two countries on key areas of mutual interest, creating a framework for continued cooperation.
During their meeting, Marsudi and Deuba identified several important fields for future cooperation, including renewable energy, strategic industries, and initiatives to promote democracy. Minister Deuba encouraged Indonesia to explore investment opportunities in Nepal’s growing tourism sector and hydropower development, two critical areas for Nepal’s economic growth.
The signing of this visa-free agreement comes at a time when Indonesia has also introduced a broader visa-free travel policy for citizens of 13 countries. This policy, which took effect in September, exempts citizens from Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor Leste, Suriname, Colombia, and Hong Kong from visa requirements when visiting Indonesia. Visitors traveling under this regulation are permitted to stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days.
The Indonesian government’s implementation of visa-free travel is based on reciprocal agreements with the countries involved. This policy is designed to enhance Indonesia’s national security and promote international goodwill while supporting economic growth, particularly through increased tourism. By making it easier for citizens of these countries to visit Indonesia, the government aims to boost state revenue and stimulate the tourism sector, which is a key component of the nation’s broader economic development strategy.
The visa-free initiatives reflect Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing international partnerships, fostering cross-cultural exchanges, and creating more opportunities for economic cooperation through tourism and investment. These steps indicate a positive direction for Indonesia’s diplomatic relationships and its commitment to strengthening global ties.
