The Indonesian Immigration Directorate has lifted penalties for overstaying for foreigners who were compelled to remain in the country following the eruption of the Lewotobi Lakilaki volcano on Flores Island. The basis is circular No. IMI-568.GR.01.01/2025, which also simplified the processing of emergency residence permits.
“The decision provides certainty of immigration status in the face of a natural disaster,” explained Immigration Service head Agus Andrianto. All branches have been instructed to annul fines if visas expired during disruptions caused by the eruption.
The exemption is granted upon application by the foreigner themselves or their representative, upon presentation of an official certificate from government authorities or police, as provided by Article 52 of the Minister of Justice's decree No. 9/2020 on zero immigration service fees. Emergency permits are issued by task forces at Ngurah Rai (Bali), Komodo, and El Tari (East Nusa Tenggara) airports. Typically, the fine is 1 million rupiahs per day of delay.
The eruption on June 17 severely disrupted air travel: on June 18, 87 flights (66 international) were canceled in Bali, and 2,166 passengers were stranded at Komodo airport on Flores Island.
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