Indonesian nationals will have access to a three-year, multiple-entry visa to Australia from next year, signalling the federal government’s recognition of our neighbour as an increasingly important source country for tourism and business.

The change which extends the current one-year visitor visa will also allow applicants to obtain the visa more quickly and easily by 2017 via the online portal, according to a media release from the office of the immigration minister.

Immigration minister, Peter Dutton, along with Trade Minister Andrew Robb and Tourism Minister Richard Colbeck announced these initiatives while attending the Indonesia-Australia Business Week in Jakarta.

“These initiatives will benefit Indonesia and Australia as we look to promote stronger business and tourism links between our two countries,” Mr Dutton said. “This change reflects Australia’s close relationship with Indonesia and is part of the Government’s agenda to boost our tourism sector and reduce red tape.”

The media release stated that the Government is committed to expanding client access to online lodgement for visitor visas (Business and Tourist Streams) globally and supporting Australia’s position as an attractive business and tourism destination.

There were 150,200 visitors from Indonesia to Australia in 2014, up six per cent compared with 2013. These visitors generated $600 million for Australia’s economy.

Currently, the department has an agreement with VFS Global to provide Australian visa lodgement services in Indonesia through an Australian Visa Application Centre.