6-9-2023 (JAKARTA) Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and co-founder of the ChatGPT bot sensation, has been granted Indonesia’s inaugural golden visa, marking a milestone for the country’s efforts to attract affluent foreign investors. The 10-year visa was awarded to Altman in recognition of his potential contributions to the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in Indonesia, according to a statement by Silmy Karim, the director-general of immigration, late on Monday.
Karim explained that holders of the golden visa would no longer be required to apply for temporary stay permits upon their arrival in Indonesia. The visa is a gesture of appreciation for the resources and expertise these individuals bring to the country. It aims to streamline their entry and exit processes, allowing them to bypass immigration queues at Indonesian airports.
Altman, a prominent tech entrepreneur based in the United States, was also granted a special visa due to his international reputation as the head of an AI research and development company. The golden visa will facilitate his visits to Indonesia and enable him to contribute to the development of the country’s AI ecosystem.
Indonesia recently introduced golden visas as part of its strategy to attract investors. Individuals who invest a minimum of US$2.5 million in the country are eligible for a five-year stay, while those who invest double that amount can obtain a 10-year visa. These initiatives reflect Indonesia’s commitment to fostering an AI community and ecosystem to keep pace with the global growth of the industry.
Altman’s visit to Indonesia in June, during which he delivered a talk on artificial intelligence, likely played a role in his acquisition of the visa. However, it remains unclear whether Altman applied for the visa or if it was granted to him unilaterally by officials in Jakarta.
