Indonesia waives visa for 79 extra countries

Indonesia has waived visa requirements for nationals from an extra 79 countries, expanding the list to 169 visa free nations as it continues its efforts to boost foreign visitor numbers.

President Joko Widodo on March 2 signed a decree, granting visa-free entry to tourists who wish to travel in the country for 30 days, said a statement published on the Cabinet Secretary website on Friday.

"The presidential decree comes into effect once it is ratified," the statement said, noting that the Legal and Human Rights Ministry authorized it on March 10.

According to the statement, Australia is included in the list of countries after the country was mooted three times last year but later the reciprocal issues were dropped over.

Australia requires foreigners a visa to enter into the country.

Throughout last year, the Indonesian government expanded the list to 90 from 15 visa-free countries.

The government has set a target to attract 20 million foreign tourists annually by 2019 as an effort to boost growth in Southeast Asia's largest economy. Last year alone, 9.73 million tourists visited the Indonesia. Endit