Indonesia breaks the biometric corridor barrier

Indonesia has broken a biometric corridors, claiming to be running a world-first seamless system “at scale”.

In this first step, the Seamless Corridor means eligible travellers arriving at Jakarta and Surabaya no longer need to present documents when they enter the country.

Their identity and details are verified using facial biometrics as they walk through Seamless Corridors.

But the aim is to have corridors used by all passengers across the country’s whole airport infrastructure.

That includes Bali.

Amadeus and Sinergi Teknoglobal Perkasa are the partner companies behind it, using AI-enabled biometrics to validate a person’s identity “in motion” through wide corridors.

Monica Hansen, of Amadeus global corporate communications, says: “This technology transforms immigration from a slow process characterised by queues into a fast, smooth and seamless experience.”

It is part of the Government’s “All Indonesia” initiative — a digital transformation aimed at streamlining the entry process for international travellers.

There are now two biometric corridors at Jakarta airport, and a third at Surabaya.

Ms Hansen points out Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration has become the world’s first authority to introduce biometric corridors at scale with new biometrics on-the-move technology.

The corridors are initially being used for elderly and disabled travellers as an example of Indonesia’s vision to embrace transformational technology for everyone.

But the aim is to have corridors used by all passengers across the country’s whole airport infrastructure.

HOW TO DO IT

Travellers (initially those needing special assistance) can enrol to use the new biometric corridors though the All Indonesia app.

The app brings together immigration, customs, health and quarantine declarations in one place.

They can lodge passport details there so the Indonesian immigration service can do its background checks in advance.

At immigration, travellers can then just pass through the dedicated corridor.

Ms Hansen says: “It scans their face and matches it with the photo on file to accurately confirm their identity as they cross the border.”

FIRST BIG TEST

The innovation reportedly significantly improved border crossings during the Hajj pilgrimage, during which there were 10 times more passengers than usual.

Indonesia has the largest quota of Hajj pilgrims of any country, with an estimated 220,000 travelling from Indonesia to Saudi Arabia. Hajj is a pilgrimage made to the Kaaba — the House of Allah — in Mecca, and one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Ms Hansen says: “During the pilgrimage, each biometric corridor facilitated 30-plus border crossings per minute at peak times, providing a more than 10-fold increase in border crossing capacity compared to today’s biometric eGates.

“In total, more than 50,000 Hajj pilgrims were processed using the new biometrics-on-the-move technology.”

BEHIND THE SCENES

Amadeus is a Spanish multinational technology company that provides software for the global travel and tourism industry.

Sinergi Teknoglobal Perkasa is an Indonesian public company that provides integrated IT solutions, including network infrastructure.

“Our collaboration with Amadeus and the Indonesia Immigration Department has been a true example of partnership in action,” says Andy Syach, CEO of Sinergi Teknoglobal Perkasa.

“By combining global expertise with local innovation, we are not only delivering world‑class border solutions but also empowering Indonesia teams through technology transfer and capability building.

“This close co-operation ensures that the solutions deployed today will continue to evolve and serve the nation’s long‑term vision for smart, secure, and seamless travel.”

Rudy Daniello, executive vice-president, AirOps, of Amadeus, adds: “The Seamless Corridor is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of our end‑to‑end portfolio for seamless travel, helping to remove friction and queues at the border.

“In combination with innovations in digital identity and biometrics at key airport service points, it’s finally possible for airlines, airports and governments to provide a truly seamless, secure experience, free from document checks, queues and barriers.”

For immigration officers and airport staff, the solution reduces pressure during peak periods. They won’t get tied up managing bottlenecks or doing repetitive identity checks.