Soekarno-Hatta Airport Welcomes 78 New Autogates: A Leap Towards Modern Immigration Processes
Introduction of Advanced Technology
On January 3, 2023, the Directorate General of Immigration announced the installation of 78 new autogates at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten. This significant upgrade caters to an increasing number of travelers and resembles similar technological advancements implemented at Doha Airport in Qatar. Designed to improve efficiency and streamline the immigration experience, these autogates promise a modern touch to airport operations.
Breakdown of New Facilities
The newly introduced autogates are strategically located throughout the airport. Terminal 3 is equipped with 52 arrival autogates and 16 departure autogates, while Terminal 2 houses an additional 10 autogates, split equally between arrivals and departures. This setup aims to facilitate a smoother process for both departing and arriving travelers at one of Indonesia’s busiest airports.
Embracing Advanced Security Measures
As the Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, explained, the autogates integrate state-of-the-art Face Recognition technology with Border Control Management (BCM). This alignment enhances immigration supervision at all crossings, ensuring a high level of security while maintaining a user-friendly experience. The use of technology is an essential step towards modernizing the country’s immigration processes.
New Requirements for Foreign Nationals
To utilize these autogates, foreign nationals must adhere to specific requirements. Only those with electronic passports and the appropriate visas, such as Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) or Electronic Visas (e-Visa) issued through the evisa.imigration.go.id website, will have access. Notably, travelers from 10 visa-free countries, primarily ASEAN member nations, must register for the BVK application at the same website before proceeding.
Additionally, foreign visitors can easily locate QR codes around Soekarno-Hatta Airport that allow for swift registration through provided links, ensuring that they can bypass traditional immigration lines.
Simplified Process for Indonesian Citizens
Indonesian travelers are not left out; they can also access the autogate services using ordinary passports, including non-electronic versions. However, users must ensure their facial features are clearly visible during the scanning process. Items that obstruct the face, such as hats or masks, must be removed, and passport covers should be opened for proper scanning.
Efficient Security Checks
The process at the autogate begins when passengers present their passport’s biodata page. They must face a screen where facial recognition scans will occur. If the system identifies no suspicious information, the autogate will unlock, allowing travelers to continue on their journey seamlessly. This quick and efficient process aims to minimize wait times, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Future Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, the Directorate General of Immigration plans to extend this innovative facility to other airports, including I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali and Batam in Riau Islands. The choice of these locations is driven primarily by the significant volume of passenger traffic they experience. Such expansions highlight the commitment to modernizing immigration checkpoints across Indonesia.
Inclusive Facilities for All
Inclusivity is a key part of this new endeavor. The Directorate has planned for the installation of specialized facilities for travelers from the disabled community. Two autogates, one for arrivals and another for departures, are designated for wheelchair users, ensuring that the benefits of advanced technology reach all passengers equally.
Conclusion
With the introduction of 78 new autogates at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia takes a significant step toward revolutionizing its immigration process. Enhanced security measures, streamlined procedures, and inclusive facilities together signal a commitment to improving the traveler experience. As technology continues to evolve, Indonesia is poised to keep pace with global standards in airport operations.
