New foreign yacht policies improve ease of superyacht visits to Indonesia

Yacht agents, Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) has reported several considerable changes to policies for visiting yachts to Indonesia, which will dramatically improve the ease of cruising for luxury superyachts hoping to visit the region.

The policy changes, which include an abolishment on domestic clearances and improved flexibility for customs temporary important, will open up the region providing a boost to the superyacht and tourism industries in the region.

In all, six changes were announced: 

1. Abolishment of domestic clearances: Foreign yachts will only require clearances at first entry and last exit ports; domestic clearances are not necessary. The SPB sailing permit issued by the harbourmaster at first entry port therefore covers all travel within the region up to exit port.
2. Cruising permits are now digital: From now on, permits will be issued via an e-CAIT online system that both yacht agents and individuals can apply for at: https://caitagen.kemlu.go.id/#.
3. Reduced approval times: These e-CAIT permits will be issued in the shortest time possible, aiming for a 24-hour turnaround. Registered yacht agents will, of course, be capable of completing the process faster.
4. Increased flexibility for custom waivers: Foreign yacht owners and their representatives are now permitted to sign the guarantee for customs temporary import.
5. Commercial activity prohibited: Foreign yachts are forbidden to undertake commercial activity within Indonesian waters.
6. Increased accessibility for tourists: New marine tourism facilities can be public with private partnerships and local government being encouraged to facilitate such development.

With the relaxation of local clearances being the most significant change of the new cruising policies, Indonesia has made itself much more attractive to luxury yachts and superyachts wishing to visit the region.

Asia Pacific Superyachts has reportedly commented on the new changes, saying, “This is a huge change and APS Indonesia has protested long and hard against this and we are thrilled to finally have this actioned.”

They continued, “We consider this the biggest change to Indonesia’s foreign yacht policy and are excited to see how it all translates in reality during the coming years.”

For more information, visit Asia Pacific Superyachts.