European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen officially announced that Indonesian citizens visiting the European Union for a second time will now be eligible for multi-entry Schengen visas, following a joint statement with President Prabowo Subianto in Brussels on Sunday.
The European Commission has adopted a decision on the visa cascade policy, which allows holders to travel freely across 29 European countries without undergoing border checks, significantly facilitating not only visits but also investment, education, and deeper social connections between the two regions.
Von der Leyen emphasized that this policy is part of the people-to-people connections pillar, which serves as a key focus in the strategic partnership between the European Union and Indonesia, aimed at building bridges between societies and strengthening long-term relationships.
The visa announcement coincided with the conclusion of political agreements on a landmark free trade deal between Indonesia and the EU, as both regions face mounting trade pressures including steep tariffs from the United States under President Donald Trump's administration.
President Prabowo welcomed the enhanced cooperation and mobility arrangements, reaffirming Indonesia's view that Europe plays an important role in maintaining global stability and remains a leader in many aspects of modern life, positioning Europe as a crucial partner for Indonesia in Southeast Asia.
