KBRN, Jakarta: The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration has issued emergency stay permits for foreign nationals affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi in East Nusa Tenggara, under the provisions of Circular No. IMI-568.GR.01.01 of 2025.

Acting Director General of Immigration, Yuldi Yusman, stated that the permits are being facilitated through special task forces stationed at affected airports, including Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, and El Tari Airport in East Nusa Tenggara.

“We’ve instructed the regional offices in NTT and Bali to accept emergency stay permit applications from impacted foreign nationals,” Yuldi confirmed on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

“We’ve also directed Immigration Office Heads to waive the overstay penalty fees, set at zero rupiah.”

He explained that this policy applies selectively to foreigners who overstayed their visas due to the volcanic disruption.

Overstay fee waivers may be granted upon request from the foreign national or their guarantor, provided they submit a police certificate from Indonesian authorities.

This is in line with Article 52 of Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 9/2020, which outlines the provisions for zero-rupiah and zero-dollar immigration services.

“Mount Lewotobi’s eruption has caused major disruptions to both domestic and international flights,” Yuldi said.

As of Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Central Indonesia Time, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali had reported 87 flight cancellations in a single day, 66 of which were international, predominantly on routes to and from Australia and Singapore.

“Meanwhile, at Komodo International Airport in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, 2,166 passengers were affected by cancellations during the same period,” Yuldi added.

“This situation has the potential to trigger immigration issues, including visa status and overstays among foreign nationals.” ***

Translator: Diva Rifdah Rizkia Puspitaningnala

Editor: Sri Wahyuni