Jakarta – The transformation of the Kementerian Imigrasi dan Pemasyarakatan is reflected not only in the improvement of public services, but also in the emergence of various strategic policies that are adaptive to global dynamics. One example is the launch of the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) program, which demonstrates that the immigration sector has now evolved from merely an administrative function into a strategic state instrument, including in driving non-tax state revenue (PNBP).
Special Staff to the Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Abdullah Rasyid, emphasized that innovative policies such as GCI reflect a new direction in Indonesia’s immigration policy—more open, yet still selective and based on national interests.
“Immigration today is no longer solely about managing the movement of people in and out of the country, but has become part of the state’s broader strategy to attract global economic potential, including the optimization of non-tax state revenue (PNBP),” he stated in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
The GCI program itself is a permanent stay permit with no time limit for foreign nationals who have strong ties to Indonesia, whether through historical, familial, or social connections. The scheme provides easier residential access without requiring a change of citizenship status, while also creating opportunities for diaspora communities and global individuals who maintain ties with Indonesia.
From an economic perspective, the policy is considered to have a long-term impact on increasing PNBP. With a digital-based service system and an all-in-one scheme—including visas, conversion of stay permits, and re-entry permits—each immigration process becomes more efficient, transparent, and directly contributes to state revenue.
“Every policy innovation such as GCI essentially expands the immigration service base. When the service base expands, the potential for PNBP also increases. This is the fundamental logic behind the current transformation of immigration,” Rasyid explained.
In addition, the policy also strengthens Indonesia’s position in the global competition to attract talent, diaspora communities, and foreign investors. Other countries, such as India with its Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme, have previously implemented similar concepts and successfully enhanced their global economic connectivity.
Nevertheless, Abdullah Rasyid stressed that such openness remains accompanied by the principle of prudence. Not all foreign nationals can access GCI facilities, especially those with backgrounds considered risky to state sovereignty and national security.
“Immigration continues to prioritize the Selective Policy principle. Facilities are provided to those who bring added value to Indonesia, not the other way around,” he emphasized.
With a combination of service reform, digitalization, and policy innovations such as GCI, the Kementerian Imigrasi dan Pemasyarakatan now positions the immigration sector as one of the important pillars in the structure of state revenue.
Going forward, this role is expected to grow even stronger in line with increasing global mobility and the need for adaptive immigration policies.
“Immigration-related PNBP has enormous room for growth. As long as innovation continues and integrity is maintained, immigration will become an important engine for state finances as well as a driver of the national economy,” he concluded.
