Immigration provides fast track for Gun N' Roses and BTS concerts
The Directorate General of Immigration is providing a special immigration service in the form of a fast track to support the concerts of legendary band Gun N’ Roses in November and K-Pop group BTS in December in Indonesia.
Hendarsam Marantoko, Director General of Immigration, said this support is part of the agency’s function as a facilitator in economic development.
“So we make the visa very easy, we give a fast track,” Hendarsam said during an Immigration press briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He explained that the Directorate General of Immigration has a performer visa policy, which involves forming a team tasked with speeding up the performer visa approval process.
The visa makes it easier for foreign nationals entering Indonesia to carry out artistic performances. It is used by artists, musicians, actors and supporting crew involved in an event.
According to him, immigration plays a very strategic role in making the Gun N’ Roses and BTS concerts in Indonesia possible. If the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government supports the events by providing Gelora Bung Karno as the concert venue, Immigration ensures the two music groups can perform by facilitating visa issuance.
“So Gun N’ Roses want to come here in November. Mr Pram said he supports providing GBK. GBK is provided, but if the visa is not provided, the concert cannot happen. Same with BTS. But if we issue the visa, and for example Mr Pram does not provide GBK, they can still perform in Bekasi if possible. The important thing is the visa from us first. That is how strategic immigration actually is,” he said.
He also said the ease of the performer visa service reflects Indonesia’s image in the eyes of the world.
He noted that if the entry point or gateway already shows convenience, it will leave a good impression on performers with large fan bases about Indonesia’s hospitality towards international performers.
“This will certainly also have a good impact on Indonesia’s overall image, a country that is friendly but also firm,” he said.
Similar support is also provided in the sports sector through the Sports Visa policy.
This policy, he said, is in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive that every performance and performer in Indonesia must boost the economic sector.
He added that music concerts and international football events in Indonesia attract not only Indonesian citizens but also audiences from neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore.
“The arrival of foreign audiences brings foreign exchange and revenue for the country,” Hendarsam said.
Legendary band Gun N’ Roses is scheduled to hold a concert in Indonesia in November, while South Korean K-Pop group BTS is scheduled to hold a world tour titled BTS World Tour ‘Arirang’ IN Jakarta at GBK on 26, 27 and 29 December 2026.