Indonesia Cancels Visa Requirement for Palestinians

The Indonesian foreign ministry revealed Tuesday that it no longer requires a visa from Palestinian passport holders.

According to the Ankara-based Anadolu Agency, the Palestinian foreign ministry received an official letter from the Indonesian embassy in Amman, detailing the change.

“Based on the directions of the President of the Indonesian Republic Joko Widodo, the Palestinian passport holders are not obliged to have an entry visa,” the statement said.

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Instead, Palestinians will not be granted a visa-on-arrival. The decision took effect on March 10 and comes as a result of good relations between Indonesia and Palestinian authorities.

Less than two weeks ago, the honorary consulate Maha Abu-Shuhseh was opened in Palestine as a symbol of Indonesia's support to Palestinian statehood.

The inauguration was held by Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi in an event in Amman, Jordan, after Israel denied her entrance to the Palestinian city of Rammalah due to the South East Asian nation's push to boycott Israeli goods.

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"Indonesia's support to the fight of the Palestinian people will never cease and we move forward one step today with the inauguration of Indonesia's honorary consulate in Ramallah," she said at the inauguration. 

Indonesia and Palestine trade relations recorded an increase to US$3.67 million in 2015, from US$1.02 million in 2014, the Jakarta Post report.

Indonesia has also thrown its support behind Palestine joining UNESCO and validated the Declaration on Palestine at the 60th anniversary of the Asian-African Conference.

WATCH: Indonesia Cancels Visa Requirement for Palestinians