New Immigration Form Just Asks: ‘Are You Loyal to the Vision?’
Foreigners applying for visas in Indonesia must now pass an emotional loyalty test and submit original military-themed artwork.
JAKARTA — Indonesia has unveiled a new streamlined application process for foreign nationals seeking to renew or apply for a KITAS (Limited Stay Permit). The new form, launched under Regulation No. 98/2025, includes a single, pivotal question:
“Are you loyal to the Vision?”
Applicants are now expected to answer this in essay format (400–800 words), followed by a freehand drawing of their favorite Indonesian general. According to internal memos, creativity and “emotional tone” will be key scoring criteria, along with “visible respect for chain of command.”
Officials confirmed the change during a televised press conference, where officials stood in front of a large banner reading “Unified Immigration for a Unified Nation.” A government spokesperson later clarified, “This is about building emotional connectivity between the state and its temporary guests.”
In addition to traditional documentation such as passports, letters from sponsors, and copies of marriage certificates, KITAS applicants will now need to submit an original portrait of an Indonesian general of their choosing.
“There is no wrong general,” explained spokesperson Colonel (Ret.) Bambang Arif. “You may choose the classic figures, or go modern with someone from the current Cabinet. What matters is accuracy, reverence, and effort. Stick figures are discouraged.”
A 97-page illustrated booklet titled Know Your Generals has been published, featuring references, drawing grids, and examples of “acceptable visual reverence.” The booklet includes sample work submitted by interns, one of whom produced a Vladimir Putin-esque charcoal rendering involving shirtless horseback riding.
Applicants are encouraged to use colored pencil or watercolor, though mixed media submissions will be accepted “as long as they are framed respectfully.” Crayons are reportedly banned.
Applicants have responded with a mix of confusion, and unexpected enthusiasm. One expat, Josh Hammond, who’s been teaching English in South Jakarta since 2016, said he “didn’t even know there were other Indonesian generals, but would try his best.”
“I just printed out a picture of one and traced it,” he admitted. “I added a background of Mount Merapi to show local knowledge.”
Meanwhile, immigration consultants are scrambling to update their services. Several firms are now offering “essay drafting packages” and “military portrait coaching,” with bundled prices starting at Rp 1.5 million. One Denpasar-based agency even launched a mobile app that uses AI to generate a quote in the style of a proud rural colonel.
Insiders privately admitted the program is part of a broader shift toward “civic re-disciplining of the foreign presence.” As one unnamed advisor said:
“Indonesia welcomes foreign guests. But too many of them are here for Bali sunsets, not national rejuvenation. We need to know they are willing to sweat, obey, and possibly march.”
When asked if the new requirement would extend to KITAP applications, officials nodded solemnly. “Everything will be Vision-aligned by 2027,” one said cryptically, “including the visas.”
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