In a bid to enhance the allure of Indonesia as a global hub for cultural events, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia, Directorate General of Immigration, unveiled the Music and Art Visa in September 2023. The initiative seeks to streamline the entry process for foreign musicians performing in Indonesia and was highlighted with the arrival of the renowned band Coldplay.

Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, emphasized the strategic timing of Coldplay's visit, presenting an opportune moment to acquaint the public with this new visa category. In an official statement on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Karim outlined the government's vision to position Indonesia as a prime destination for significant international activities.

"The Directorate General of Immigration has introduced a music and art visa policy, featuring concise requirements, a straightforward application process, and online accessibility," stated Karim. The visa is designed to simplify procedures for international artists organizing music concerts in Indonesia, eliminating the need for a labor permit, Police Record Certificate, or a certificate demonstrating five years of work experience.

Applications for the music and art visas can now be directly submitted by event organizers or promoters through the dedicated website evisa.imigrasi.go.id, streamlining the bureaucratic process. Karim highlighted that the requirements for foreign artists were streamlined due to the short duration of their activities in Indonesia.

President Joko Widodo has long advocated for the simplification of requirements for foreign artists aiming to organize events or concerts in Indonesia. The move comes in response to the Coldplay concert, which took place for a single day in Indonesia compared to the six days in Singapore.

"We support Indonesia’s ambition to become a music and arts tourism destination. Indonesia boasts numerous tourist spots with breathtaking natural beauty and a very distinctive culture," remarked Karim. "If more and more foreign nationals come here to attend music concerts, we will create opportunities for them to explore other aspects of what Indonesia has to offer, thereby boosting foreign exchange. Additionally, Indonesian citizens won’t need to travel abroad to attend concerts."

With this new visa category, Indonesia aims to not only attract renowned international artists but also boost its tourism sector by providing a seamless process for organizers and performers alike. The Music and Art Visa is poised to contribute to the nation's cultural richness while enhancing its global standing in the world of entertainment and the arts.