Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has endorsed visa-free entry to Indonesia for travellers from 20 countries as part of a strategic move to increase tourism and boost economic growth. Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said in Jakarta on Thursday (7/12/2023) that the proposal would target countries with the highest number of foreign tourists, excluding those that already enjoy visa exemptions, antara news.com reported. The 20 countries identified for potential visa-free entry include Australia, China, India, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, New Zealand, Italy, Spain and two unnamed Middle Eastern countries. Minister Sandiaga was confident that free entry visas to these countries will increase the number of foreign tourist visits, leading to a ripple effect that will boost domestic consumption, attract investment and support the development of the digital economy. "We are targeting high-value tourists, especially those who stay longer and spend more in the local economy," he said, saying that he expected President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to approve the proposal next month. (mg/inp/pr/nm)