Indonesia Waives Overstay Fees Following Anak Krakatau Flight Disruptions

RRI.CO.ID, Tangerang - Indonesia’s immigration authority has introduced emergency measures to assist foreign nationals (WNA) affected by international flight cancellations and rerouting due to the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. Impacted passengers may be granted a Forced Stay Permit (Izin Tinggal Keadaan Terpaksa/ITKT).

Immigration is also waiving overstay fees, applying a zero‑cost policy for foreigners who exceed their permitted stay as a result of these extraordinary circumstances.

The announcement was made by Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko during an inspection at Soekarno‑Hatta International Airport on Monday, 7 September 2026. Hendarsam emphasized Immigration’s readiness to provide services for passengers affected by the disaster, stressing the importance of ensuring foreigners’ legal status in Indonesia while adopting a humane approach in emergency situations.

“We understand the difficulties and inconvenience passengers face due to these flight disruptions. The state is here to provide legal certainty,” he said, adding that processing ITKT would be fast, efficient, and free of overstay charges, so foreign nationals can feel secure while waiting for flight schedules to return to normal.

He added that the policy is not limited to the Anak Krakatau eruption and may be applied in other force majeure situations.

According to Head of Soekarno‑Hatta Immigration Office, Galih Priya Kartika Perdhana, between September 5-7, 2026, a total of 528 flights were affected--254 arrivals and 266 departures, all canceled. The disruption impacted 86,760 passengers. As of September 7, the Soekarno‑Hatta Immigration Office had processed 26 ITKT applications from affected foreigners.

To improve service, the office has added a second ITKT counter. Other immigration offices have also issued permits: Central Jakarta (5 applications), North Jakarta (4), Depok (2), South Jakarta (2), and one each at Ngurah Rai, Juanda, Bekasi, and Tangerang.

Immigration Service Guidelines for Eruption‑Affected Foreign Nationals

• Immigration offices overseeing airport checkpoints may issue ITKT valid for up to 30 days, extendable under regulations.
• Overstay fees are waived (Rp0) for foreigners whose flights were delayed or canceled.
• Applicants or airline representatives must provide official documentation from the Civil Aviation Authority, airline, or airport authority, along with travel documents and visa/permit.
• Immigration guarantees all processes follow strict caution and standard operating procedures to maintain order and security.

Galih underlined that immigration continues to balance law enforcement with public service. “In emergencies like this, service becomes the priority, especially to ensure foreign nationals facing travel difficulties receive certainty and accessible immigration facilities in line with regulations,” Galih concluded. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)