Yes, both can visit, but with conditions. Foreign journalists in West Papua need a journalist visa, and in 2015 President Joko Widodo said they could report there “just like the other regions”. Even so, rights groups and editors say access remains difficult in practice. Tourists can travel freely to most areas, although some places require a permit or carry safety warnings.
👉 ALSO READ: Visiting West Papua: What It Is Known For and How to Travel There
Foreign journalists and West Papua at a glance
In short, these are the main rules and events.
| Year | What happened | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | President Joko Widodo lifts restrictions on foreign media in Papua | Antara |
| 2018 | Human Rights Watch reports journalists still face visa denials and blacklisting | Human Rights Watch |
| 2025 | Police Regulation No. 3/2025 allows police letters for foreign journalists in “certain locations”; police say the letter is not mandatory | CNN Indonesia; The Jakarta Post |
| 2026 | Immigration detains a Russian tourist in Wamena for filming a protest on a tourist visa | Jubi |
Sources: Antara; Human Rights Watch; CNN Indonesia; The Jakarta Post; Jubi.
Can foreign journalists report in West Papua?
Officially, yes. On 10 May 2015, President Joko Widodo announced that foreign media were free to enter Papua, as they can enter other provinces. “Beginning today, Sunday, I allow the foreign journalists if they want to go to Papua just like the other regions,” he said (Antara).
Like everywhere in Indonesia, however, reporters still need the right visa and work permit. In 2025, a new police regulation allowed police to issue letters for foreigners doing journalism or research in “certain locations”. After criticism, the national police spokesman said the letter is issued only when a sponsor asks for it. He added that foreign journalists can still work without it, as long as they follow the law (CNN Indonesia).
Why do critics say access is still limited?
Rights groups and some editors say the 2015 opening has not worked in practice. For example, a 2025 analysis in The Jakarta Post said Papua is “technically off-limits” to foreign journalists. It added that only a handful of foreign correspondents have managed to visit, although the government says they are not banned (The Jakarta Post).
Similarly, Human Rights Watch reported in 2018 that journalists still faced visa denials and blacklisting. In one case, a former Jakarta-based reporter was turned away at Bali airport in 2018, two years after being deported from Papua (Human Rights Watch). Local media have also recorded other cases. For instance, six Kyodo News journalists filming a documentary had to leave Wamena, and a Polish tourist was jailed in 2019 on treason charges, which his lawyer denied (Jubi).
What does the government say?
The government’s line is that foreigners are welcome but must follow the terms of their visa. In August 2026, immigration officers detained a Russian tourist who had filmed a pro-independence protest in Wamena for his social media channels. “Foreigners may come to Indonesia, but they must obey Indonesian law,” said Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko. He also said Indonesia is open to foreign tourists, but visitors must respect the rules (Jubi).
In other words, a journalist who wants to report from Papua should apply for a journalist visa rather than enter as a tourist.
Can tourists visit West Papua?
Yes. In fact, Raja Ampat, the Baliem Valley and Lorentz National Park attract visitors from around the world. However, Australia’s official travel advice says visitors may need a police travel permit, known as a Surat Keterangan Jalan, for some areas. It also advises travellers to reconsider their need to travel to Highland Papua and Central Papua because of the risk of serious security incidents (Smartraveller). Therefore, check the latest advice before you book. For routes and highlights, see Visiting West Papua.
What comes next?
The 2015 promise and the reality on the ground still do not fully match. Meanwhile, the government says its rules exist to uphold the law and public order. Papua Movement will report any change in how journalist visas and police letters are applied in Papua.
Sources
- Antara: Jokowi administration opens foreign media access to Papua (12 May 2015)
- Human Rights Watch: Indonesia’s Papua Media Blacklist (6 August 2018)
- CNN Indonesia: Polri Klarifikasi Soal SKK Wajib Bagi Jurnalis Asing (3 April 2025) (in Indonesian)
- The Jakarta Post: Analysis: Increased restrictions on foreign journalists makes bad press for Indonesia (15 April 2025)
- Jubi: Sulitnya Jurnalis Asing Meliput Papua: Turis Rusia Ditangkap (30 August 2026) (in Indonesian)
- Smartraveller (Australian Government): Indonesia travel advice
Featured image: The apron of Wamena Airport, the gateway to the Baliem Valley in Highland Papua (December 2023). Photo: Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Wikimedia Commons, public domain.
