Indonesia is preparing a new visa category for foreign content creators as the government looks to separate commercial digital content production from journalistic work.

The proposed C5A content creator visa is intended for foreign visitors travelling to Indonesia to create digital content, including promotional work with businesses and brands. The existing C5 journalist visa would continue to apply to foreign journalists carrying out journalistic work in Indonesia.

Happy Reza Dipayuda, head of sub-directorate for visa services at the Directorate General of Immigration, Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, explained that the two visa categories are designed for different types of activity.

“Journalists and content creators may both produce content, but they have different roles and responsibilities. Journalists work for media organisations and follow journalistic codes of conduct, while content creators may create content for commercial purposes,” Happy explained.

Under the current system, foreign journalists visiting Indonesia for reporting assignments use the C5 journalist visa. The C5 visa covers activities such as news reporting, documentary production, interviews and event coverage for recognised media organisations.

Applicants are generally required to provide press credentials and documents related to their assignments. They are also expected to follow professional journalistic standards while carrying out their work in Indonesia.

According to Happy, the growing number of international content creators has highlighted the need for a separate visa category. While many creators are not journalists, their content can still reach millions of people and influence public opinion. He added that the proposed C5A visa is intended to provide a clearer pathway for these activities.

The proposal is not yet in effect. Happy said it is still being reviewed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies.

“After the review is completed, it will still need further approval before it can be implemented,” he said.

Until then, foreign visitors producing content will need to use the appropriate visa category, such as the C14 visa for certain production activities, while the C5 journalist visa will continue to apply to foreign media professionals conducting journalistic assignments.