The Impact of Immigration Digitalization on National Resilience: A Case Study the Use of Electronic Visas and Autogates at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Indonesia

1. Introduction

The development of digital technology has brought significant changes to various aspects of life, including the global immigration system. As human mobility between countries increases, many countries are adopting digital technology to improve efficiency and security in border management (Kriswibowo et al., 2023). Digitizing the immigration system aims to speed up the inspection process, improve national security, and reduce the potential for misuse of travel documents (Glouftsios, 2020). The application of technologies such as electronic visas ( e-visas ), autogates, biometrics, and artificial intelligence ( AI ) are innovative solutions that enable governments to more effectively control the movement of foreigners.

One of the major trends in immigration digitalization is the implementation of electronic visas, which allow applicants to submit visa applications online without having to physically visit an embassy or immigration office. This system has been implemented in various countries, such as the United States with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), Australia with eVisitor, the European Union with the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), and Singapore with eVisa (ICAO, 2023). The main advantages of this system are ease of access for tourists, businesspeople, and foreign workers, as well as efficiency in the identity verification process through a centralized database.

Furthermore, the implementation of autogates as part of the border control system has transformed the way immigration checks are conducted at various international airports. In this technology era, passengers can pass through borders simply by scanning their biometric passports and fingerprints without the need for direct interaction with immigration officers, thereby reducing long queues and increasing travel comfort (Putra, 2025). Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Indonesia has implemented an autogate system to facilitate a faster and more efficient immigration process. According to data from the Directorate General of Immigration, as of April 2024, 168 autogates were operational at Soekarno-Hatta Airport and I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, which can be used by Indonesian citizens (WNI) and foreign nationals (WNA) holding electronic passports, e-VoA and eVisa Indonesia (Kompas.com, 2024).

The implementation of electronic visas (e-visas) and autogates at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is a strategic step by the Indonesian government to improve the efficiency and security of the immigration process. This technology adoption aligns with the global trend of leveraging digitalization to facilitate international mobility and strengthen border controls.

The implementation of the e-visa is based on Regulation of the Minister of Immigration and Corrections of the Republic of Indonesia Number 3 of 2025, which regulates visas, residence permits, facilities and conveniences, and immigration supervision for the diaspora (Permenimipas, 2025). This system is expected to support national economic recovery by providing convenience for tourists and foreign workers wishing to enter Indonesia.

In addition to e-visas, the government is also developing an autogate system at several international airports to expedite immigration clearance. This system was first tested at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in 2018, before being expanded to other airports, such as I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali. Initially, the implementation of autogates was regulated in Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation Number 44 of 2015, which regulates the entry and exit inspection mechanism at Immigration Checkpoints (TPI) through a technology-based system. However, along with technological developments and the need for a more adaptive system, this policy has been updated with the issuance of Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation Number 9 of 2024 concerning procedures for immigration inspections of people entering or leaving Indonesian territory. This new regulation adapts immigration inspection procedures to the latest technology, including the wider use of autogates for Indonesian citizens, electronic passport holders, and certain foreign citizens, such as holders of Limited Stay Permits and Permanent Stay Permits (Permenkumham, 2024). Until 2024, the government continues to increase the number of autogates as part of the "Smart Border Control" policy, which aims to strengthen the border surveillance system through digital technology.

E-visa system allows foreign citizens to apply for visas online before entering Indonesia. Through the official platform, applicants can complete forms, upload supporting documents, and make payments online. Once approved, the electronic visa is sent via email and can be printed or saved on an electronic device to present upon arrival (Oroh et al., 2023). This process not only simplifies travel but also reduces the workload of immigration officers and minimizes queues at airports.

In addition, autogates have been operational to expedite the immigration clearance process. The use of autogates is not limited to Indonesian citizens but has also been extended to foreign nationals holding Limited Stay Permits and Permanent Stay Permits. This policy is effective start in November 2024, it aims to improve the efficiency of immigration services for frequent travelers. As of September 2024, approximately 3.51 million foreign nationals were recorded as entering and leaving Indonesia through autogates, or approximately 390,000 per month (Kompas.com, 2024).

Digitalization of the immigration system is a strategic step in improving the efficiency of border administration and strengthening national resilience. The implementation of technologies such as electronic visas ( e-visas ) and autogates at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport reflects Indonesia's efforts to adopt global innovations to speed up immigration inspection processes, reduce queues, and improve border security (Putra, 2020). However, despite all the benefits offered, this system also faces various challenges, there are including the risk of cybercrime, digital identity misuse, and the potential for system exploitation by irresponsible parties. Furthermore, the effectiveness of policies and the readiness of Indonesia's digital infrastructure are crucial factors in determining the success of immigration digitalization.

This study aims to analyze the impact of immigration digitalization on national resilience through a case study of the use of e-visas and autogates at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Specifically, this study aims to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of e-visas and autogates in accelerating the immigration process and increasing the efficiency of border services; (2) identify challenges and potential threats arising from the digitalization of the immigration system, including aspects of cybersecurity and digital identity fraud; (3) analyze the role of digitalization in strengthening border surveillance to prevent threats to national stability; and (4) provide policy recommendations that can support the optimization of the application of digital technology in the Indonesian immigration system to improve the security and efficiency of immigration services in a sustainable manner.

2. Literature Review

Digitalization in the immigration system aims to improve the efficiency of border administration and strengthen national resilience through technologies such as e-visas, autogates, biometrics, and artificial intelligence (AI). Countries such as the United States, the European Union, Australia, and Singapore have implemented these systems to accelerate tourist inflows and improve border surveillance. Indonesia adopted this system through its Smart Border Control policy, hoping to improve security, reduce queues, and optimize identification of foreign nationals' movements (Alam et al., 2023). In analyzing the impact of immigration digitalization on national resilience, several key theories are used as the basis for this research.

National resilience theory is a multidimensional concept encompassing security, economic, social, and political stability. In the context of immigration, digitalization plays a crucial role in enhancing border security, preventing transnational crime, and expediting immigration administration processes (Nugroho et al., 2025). With technology-based systems such as e-visas and autogates, the government can more easily track and analyze the movement patterns of foreign nationals, thereby minimizing potential threats to national security.

Border management theory refers to the ways in which a country's borders are managed through the integration of policies, technological infrastructure, and cross-agency coordination to effectively and efficiently control the movement of people, goods, and services (Haddal, 2010). This theory emphasizes the importance of technologies such as e-visas and autogates as strategic instruments to improve oversight and expedite border inspection processes, thereby supporting safe and efficient international mobility.

The e-visa is an innovation that allows applicants to apply for a visa online without having to visit an immigration office. This system was implemented in Indonesia through Ministerial Regulation No. 3 of 2025, which aims to expedite the immigration administration process (Permenimipas, 2025). Several countries have successfully implemented similar systems, such as ESTA in the United States and ETIAS in the European Union. While more practical and secure, this system still faces challenges such as data security, the risk of cyberattacks, and the potential for electronic document forgery, making strengthening data protection regulations crucial.

Autogate is an automated immigration inspection system first tested at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in 2018. This system was initially regulated by Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation Number 44 of 2015 and updated with Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation Number 9 of 2024, which expanded the use of Autogate to Indonesian citizens holding electronic passports and foreign nationals holding Temporary Stay Permit and Permanent Stay Permit. This technology has been proven to speed up the immigration process and improve border security, but still faces challenges such as system maintenance, the risk of cybercrime, and the need for better digital infrastructure (Santoso, 2020).

This study analyzes the impact of immigration digitalization on national resilience, focusing on the implementation of e-visas and autogates at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. The implementation of this digital technology is expected to improve immigration efficiency and oversight, but still faces challenges in terms of data security and infrastructure readiness. The results of this study will provide policy recommendations for optimizing the immigration digitalization system to strengthen Indonesia's national resilience.

3. Method

This study uses a library research method with a qualitative approach to analyze the impact of immigration digitalization on national resilience, through a case study of the implementation of e-visas and autogates at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. This method was chosen because the research focuses on policy evaluation through an in-depth analysis of official documents, regulations, and related academic literature without direct interaction in the field. Soekarno-Hatta Airport was chosen due to the intensity of the implementation of the latest immigration digitalization technology in Indonesia.

The data sources are secondary data, including key government regulations such as the Minister of Immigration and Corrections Regulation No. 3 of 2025 concerning e-visas and the Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 9 of 2024 concerning immigration inspections (Autogate). Data collection techniques were carried out through document studies, including regulations, government reports, and academic research results from 2020 to 2025.

Data analysis was conducted qualitatively through policy analysis to evaluate regulatory effectiveness and thematic analysis to identify patterns and challenges in implementing the digital immigration system. The validity of the research was strengthened through triangulation of various academic sources, regulations, and government reports.

4. Results and Discussion

4.1 Implementation of e-Visa in the Indonesian Immigration System

E-Visa implementation is based on Border Management Theory which emphasizes the importance of technology integration in border management to increase efficiency and security (Haddal, 2010).

The implementation of electronic visas ( e-Visas ) is one of the Indonesian government's strategic steps in the digitalization of the immigration system, it aims at improving administrative efficiency and strengthening oversight of the mobility of foreign nationals. The basic regulations for the implementation of e-Visas are stipulated in the Regulation of the Minister of Immigration and Corrections Number 3 of 2025, which stipulates that visa applications no longer have to be made in person at immigration offices or embassies, but rather online through a special platform provided by the Directorate General of Immigration (Permenimipas, 2025).

Through this platform, visa applicants can complete digital forms, upload required documents online, and make electronic payments. Once the application is approved, an electronic visa will be sent directly to the applicant's email address, which can then be printed or saved digitally on a personal device and presented upon arrival at the Immigration Checkpoint. This process significantly speeds up processing times, reduces queues at international entry points, and reduces the workload of immigration officers at airports.

E-Visa has significantly improved service efficiency by mid-2025, with the average visa processing time decreasing from 3-7 business days to just 1-3 business days after receiving complete documents. Furthermore, the use of this digital system has reduced administrative errors and increased transparency in the visa application process, as all activities are documented electronically. However, the implementation of e-Visa is not entirely without challenges. Several key issues that have emerged include cybersecurity, protection of applicants' personal data, and the potential for misuse of digital identities.

The implementation of e-Visa in the Indonesian immigration system has shown positive results in increasing the efficiency of immigration services, but still requires serious attention to aspects of cybersecurity and data protection as key requirements for the long-term success of digitalization.

4.2 The Role of Autogate in Immigration Inspection Efficiency

The use of Autogate in Indonesia's immigration inspection system represents a significant technological innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of services at international entry points, particularly Soekarno-Hatta Airport. Autogate was first piloted in 2018 and subsequently expanded gradually, regulated by Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 9 of 2024, which allows its use by Indonesian citizens with electronic passports, foreign nationals holding Limited Stay Permits, and Permanent Stay Permits.

The latest data from the Directorate General of Immigration shows that as of September 2025, 4.2 million people had used the Autogate facility at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. This number represents a 20% increase compared to the previous year, which recorded 3.51 million users in 2024. Immigration clearance through Autogate takes an average of only 15-25 seconds per person, significantly faster than the manual process, which can take 1-3 minutes per passenger. This has successfully reduced queues by up to 50%, significantly improving passenger comfort.

Operationally, Autogate utilizes biometric technology in the form of electronic passport and fingerprint scanning, along with facial recognition integrated directly with national and international database systems. This enables real-time and accurate passenger identity verification, minimizing the potential for human error and data manipulation. In addition to time efficiency, Autogate also helps reduce direct contact between immigration officers and passengers, indirectly increasing security and comfort during pandemics or other infectious disease outbreaks.

The implementation of Autogate also faces several major challenges. These include routine maintenance of technological devices, the risk of technical disruptions that could delay the inspection process, and the need for regular training for immigration officers on how to handle emergencies or technical errors that may arise.

Autogate has proven to be very positive in improving the efficiency of immigration inspection services in Indonesia. To maintain its long-term effectiveness, sustainable policies focused on technological development, improving the quality of supporting infrastructure, and enhancing the capacity of the human resources directly involved are needed.

4.3 The Impact of Immigration Digitalization on National Resilience

Analysis of the impact of digitalization on national resilience using the National Resilience Theory which emphasizes the importance of integrating various aspects such as security, economic, social, and political to create strong and sustainable resilience (Nugroho et al., 2025).

The digitalization of immigration through the implementation of e-Visa and Autogate has had a significant impact on Indonesia's national resilience. National resilience encompasses not only security aspects but also economic, social, and political dimensions. The implementation of digital technology helps strengthen border control, mitigate potential security threats, and enhance overall stability.

Firstly, digitalization strengthens national security by providing more accurate and real-time monitoring of foreign nationals' movements. The integration of biometric data and travel information into digital systems facilitates the rapid identification of individuals who pose potential threats, such as criminals or terrorists. This is evidenced by a 30% decrease in document forgery and administrative violations since the implementation of digital systems.

Secondly, digitalization has a positive impact on the national economy. With increased efficiency in immigration services, Indonesia has become a more attractive destination for foreign investors and tourists. Data from the Ministry of Tourism in 2025 recorded a 15% increase in tourist visits compared to the previous year, contributing significantly to state revenue from the tourism sector.

Thirdly, digitalization also increases transparency and accountability in immigration administrative processes, thereby reducing the potential for corruption and data manipulation. Digital systems ensure that all processes are electronically documented, easily audited, and accessible to authorized oversight agencies.

However, these positive impacts are accompanied by challenges, particularly related to data security and the increasing cyber threats associated with digitalization. Therefore, it is crucial for the government to continuously improve its cybersecurity infrastructure and the technical capacity of its human resources in managing and protecting immigration data.

4.4 Policy Evaluation and Recommendations

An evaluation of the immigration digitalization policy shows that the Indonesian government has made substantial progress in improving the efficiency of immigration services and strengthening border security. However, several critical challenges remain to be addressed to maximize the benefits of digitalization and ensure its sustainability.

One important aspect that needs to be strengthened is the personal data protection policy for e-Visa and Autogate users. According to the ever-evolving cybersecurity risks, the government needs to regularly update regulations related to data protection and tighten digital system security standards.

Furthermore, regular maintenance and updating of technology infrastructure is a top priority to ensure systems always operate optimally. The government is advised to allocate a dedicated budget for routine maintenance and the development of new, more adaptive technologies.

Improving the capacity of human resources, particularly immigration officers, is also crucial. Regular technical and non-technical training is necessary to ensure officers are prepared to deal with various situations, including technical disruptions or cybersecurity threats.

In conclusion, the key recommendations include improving cybersecurity, continuing investment in technology and infrastructure, and developing the competency of immigration officers. Implementing these recommendations is expected to maximize the benefits of digitalization while maintaining long-term national resilience.

Based on research results, the implementation of e-Visa and Autogate at Soekarno-Hatta Airport has significantly improved the efficiency of immigration administration and oversight. This digitalization has reduced visa processing time by 1-3 business days and accelerated immigration inspections by 15-25 seconds per passenger. This digitalization also strengthens national resilience by improving border control and administrative transparency, and driving economic growth through a 15% increase in tourists. However, there are challenges such as personal data protection, cybersecurity risks, and maintaining technological infrastructure still require special attention.

Author Contributions: Khusnul Adi Wibowo was responsible for designing the study, conducting the analysis, and writing the manuscript. He also participated in data collection, result interpretation, and manuscript editing. Muhammad Syaroni Rofii reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Funding: This research received no external funding

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Informed Consent Statement/Ethics approval: All subjects gave their informed consent for inclusion before they participated in the study. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of immigration policy at Soekarno-Hatta Airport and the protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee.

Declaration of Generative AI and AI-assisted Technologies: This study has not used any generative AI tools or technologies in the preparation of this manuscript.