Indonesia Extends Visa-Free Entry to Turkish Tourists, Reinforcing Growing Collaboration
In a significant stride towards international cooperation, Indonesia and Turkey are deepening their partnership beyond tourism, with defense cooperation taking the lead. This development was highlighted by Indonesia's agreement to purchase 48 units of Turkey's domestically produced KAAN fighter aircraft, a deal that includes the transfer of aviation technology to Indonesia.
The historic agreement, signed in June 2025 during the INDO Defence 2025 exhibition, marks a major milestone in the relationship. The deal spans over a 10-year period and is set to foster local aerospace capabilities and knowledge exchange in Indonesia. This strategic move comes as Indonesia integrates Turkey as a strategic defense partner amid its broader air combat modernization efforts.
Beyond defense, the potential for cooperation in healthcare and energy sectors is also on the rise. While specific agreements in these areas are yet to be detailed, the broader context of strengthening bilateral relations and agreements on technology and infrastructure during recent diplomatic summits suggests an increasing engagement potential.
The partnership between these two G20 members extends beyond geopolitics. As two major Muslim-majority countries, Indonesia and Turkey share responsibilities for global stability. This shared commitment was emphasized by Indonesia's Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, who emphasized the need for international cooperation and stability during recent weeks of significant developments in defense cooperation between the two nations.
In a bid to encourage cultural exchange, the Indonesian Ambassador to Turkey has encouraged Turkish visitors to explore beyond Bali, recommending destinations like Jakarta, Borobudur Temple, Raja Ampat islands, and Komodo Island. This visa-free travel initiative, which took effect on Thursday, reflects Indonesia's strategic partnership with Turkey and symbolizes mutual trust and faith between the nations.
The decision to grant Turkish citizens visa-free travel privileges for one month was issued by Indonesia's Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs. This move follows the approximately 300,000 Indonesian nationals who traveled to Turkey during the same period, with more than 50,000 Turkish citizens visiting Indonesia in 2024.
Indonesia and Turkey collaborate within international platforms such as the G20, MIKTA, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This collaboration underscores the mutual respect and commitment between the nations to promote peace, stability, and economic growth on a global scale.
For nature lovers and diving enthusiasts, Raja Ampat is recommended, known for its diverse marine life and stunning landscapes. Komodo Island, with its distinctive pink sand beaches, is another must-visit destination. As the partnership between Indonesia and Turkey continues to evolve, there is much to look forward to in the future of this burgeoning relationship.
- The Turkish Ambassador to Indonesia might suggest exploring Jakarta, Borobudur Temple, Raja Ampat islands, and Komodo Island to Turkish visitors, following the visa-free travel initiative between the two countries.
- Turkey's commitment to share and transfer aviation technology, as part of the deal signed for the supply of KAAN fighter aircraft to Indonesia, marks a significant step in the Turkish-Indonesian partnership, enhancing local aerospace capabilities in Indonesia.
- Beyond the defense sector, Indonesia and Turkey are also exploring opportunities for cooperation in healthcare and energy, as highlighted by the broader context of strengthening bilateral relations and agreements on technology and infrastructure during recent diplomatic summits.
- As G20 members and major Muslim-majority countries, Indonesia and Turkey share responsibilities for global stability and promote peace, stability, economic growth on a global scale through collaboration on international platforms such as the G20, MIKTA, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
