BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – The Directorate General of Immigration has officially heightened its alert status at all air Immigration Checkpoints across Indonesia. The move was taken as a rapid response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has led several countries to close their airspace and disrupted international flight routes to and from Indonesia.

As a form of legal protection for affected foreign nationals, the Directorate General of Immigration has introduced a policy granting Emergency Stay Permits (Izin Tinggal Keadaan Terpaksa / ITKT). The permit is valid for up to 30 days and may be extended depending on developments in the situation. The policy aims to provide legal certainty for foreigners who are unable to leave Indonesia due to the global emergency situation.

In addition to granting temporary stay permits, the government has also provided relief for foreign nationals who have overstayed due to flight cancellations. Those affected will not be subject to overstay fines (Rp0), provided they can present an official statement from the airline or airport authority confirming that the delay was solely caused by airspace disruptions.

Latest data as of Thursday (March 5) indicates that the impact of the policy has begun to be felt on the ground, particularly in major tourist destinations. The Class I Immigration Office with Immigration Checkpoint (TPI) Denpasar reported that at least 58 foreign nationals have already applied for the Emergency Stay Permit. The number is expected to increase as international flight conditions in the Middle East region remain unstable.

Head of the Class I TPI Denpasar Immigration Office, R. Haryo Sakti, urged all affected foreign nationals within his jurisdiction to immediately process their administrative requirements through a direct walk-in service. Applicants are required to bring complete supporting documents, including their original passport, a flight cancellation letter from the airline, and proof of the canceled ticket.

This measure is intended to ensure that the ITKT application process runs smoothly and that assistance reaches those who genuinely require it. (FF)