The Directorate General of Immigration announces that Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has been awarded the first Golden Visa of Indonesia. This visa holds several functions for its holder.
In an official statement received by CNBC Indonesia, Altman can enjoy benefits such as expedited immigration checks and priority services at airports. Additionally, he is granted an extended duration of stay, ease of entry and exit to Indonesia, and is exempt from dealing with ITAS (Limited Stay Permit) or visiting immigration offices.
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“Upon arrival in Indonesia, there is no need to process the Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) at the immigration office. We offer the red carpet as a reciprocal gesture for the resources they can contribute to Indonesia,” stated Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, quoted on Tuesday (9/5/2023).
For reference, the Golden Visa is a type of visa that grants a residence permit for a period of 5-10 years. This provision is aimed at supporting the domestic economy.
Also read: Indonesia to Introduce Golden Visa, Here’s the Complete Guide
Silmy explained that one category of the Golden Visa is bestowed upon figures with international reputations who can provide benefits to Indonesia. The proposal for an individual to receive this visa is submitted by central government agencies.
“There are several categories of the Golden Visa, apart from being based on investment/capital injection; one of them is the Golden Visa given to figures with international reputations who can benefit Indonesia. To obtain the Golden Visa, it must be proposed by a central government agency,” he clarified.
The legal basis for the Golden Visa is provided by Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation (Permenkumham) Number 22 of 2023, along with Minister of Finance Regulation Number 82 of 2023.
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The plan for granting the Golden Visa was previously disclosed by Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. At that time, he stated that the visa policy allows foreign nationals to reside longer in Indonesia.
He explained that the Golden Visa is intended for those with high intellectual capacity willing to work in the country, including individuals like Sam Altman, who, according to him, will frequently visit Indonesia.
Also read: Who Can Apply for Indonesia’s Golden Visa?
“For example, someone with high intellectual capacity, researchers from top universities, influential individuals, like Sam Altman, the CEO of Chat GPT, or even the President, because he is willing to and often visits Indonesia, we grant them the visa,” he said.
Source: CNBC Indonesia
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