On September 5th, Indonesia rolled out its red carpet for OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Altman became the first foreigner to receive this exclusive status as part of its newly introduced golden visa program. The visa, a golden ticket for Altman, not only allows him a ten-year residency but also grants him VIP treatment at Indonesian airports.
VIP Treatment for OpenAI CEO
Besides the prestige of being the inaugural recipient, Altman gains several privileges with this golden visa. He will be able to reside in Indonesia for up to ten years. Moreover, the CEO can skip airport queues through priority screening lanes. Consequently, he can quickly enter and leave the country without the hassle of typical paperwork like temporary stay permits.
Significantly, Indonesia introduced the golden visa only last week to entice wealthy people who can contribute significantly to the national economy. The typical expenditure required for a golden visa of five years is $25 million, with a ten-year visa costing $50 million. However, the government must still specify if Altman fulfilled these criteria or was handpicked due to his international reputation in AI technology.
The decision comes as Indonesia, the world’s 16th largest economy with a population of 275 million, eagerly seeks to embrace AI. Altman’s golden visa award aligns perfectly with Indonesia’s drive to bolster investments in AI and tech-related industries. Additionally, the OpenAI CEO is already a public figure in international tech circles, having recently met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and possibly being on the guest list for an upcoming AI safety summit in the United Kingdom.
Altman’s golden visa also arrives on his global tour discussing AI regulation. During these talks, he tackled the promises and challenges posed by AI technologies. Hence, his newly acquired visa status benefits him and is an optimistic signal for Indonesia’s future in the ever-evolving AI landscape.
Attracting Global Talent and Investment
Immigration Director-General Silmy Karim stated that countries adopting a golden visa policy, like Denmark and the United Arab Emirates, have reaped substantial benefits. This move is a hopeful precedent for Indonesia as it takes a calculated leap into the AI future.
Consequently, this golden visa to Sam Altman is a strategic maneuver to become a global AI hub. The visa paves the way for high-net-worth individuals to invest in the country and, in turn, spurs Indonesia’s national interests in technology and innovation. With countries worldwide watching closely, Indonesia’s bold move might set a new standard for attracting foreign investment in AI.
