Indonesia launches seamless biometric corridors at airports under digital border initiative

Indonesia has become the first country to operate fully seamless biometric corridors at its airports, enabling eligible passengers to pass through immigration without stopping.

The new lanes are now operational at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta and Juanda Airport in Surabaya. They are part of the government’s broader All Indonesia digital border initiative, aimed at transforming the country’s immigration and airport processing systems through advanced digital technologies.

According to reports from IDN Financials and TRT Indonesia, the corridors consolidate immigration, customs, health, and quarantine checks within a single digital platform.

Passengers are required to submit passport data before departure, allowing comprehensive background screening to be completed prior to arrival.

Upon landing, travellers simply walk through a wide biometric lane equipped with multi-angle cameras.

These devices scan facial features and three-dimensional body contours in real time, enabling what authorities call a “biometrics on-the-move” experience that removes the need for travellers to stop at traditional checkpoints.

Currently, two corridors are in operation at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport, with one active at Surabaya’s Juanda Airport.

They operate alongside more than 240 automated e-gates that have already been installed across the country.

The initial rollout prioritises elderly travellers and those with disabilities. These passengers can pre-register through the All Indonesia mobile application to gain access to the fast-lane corridors.

The underlying technology is provided by Amadeus, an international travel IT provider, in collaboration with local partner PT Sinergi Teknoglobal Perkasa.

According to Andy Syach, Chief Executive of Sinergi Teknoglobal Perkasa, the partnership combines global expertise in digital identity with local technological innovation.

Rudy Daniello, a senior executive at Amadeus, stated that the seamless corridor represents a key part of the company’s broader portfolio focused on contactless and queue-free travel.

He said the system is designed to integrate digital identity and biometric verification to create a secure, smooth travel experience.

Live testing of the system was conducted during the annual hajj season, according to the same sources.

During this period, the biometric corridors reportedly processed over 50,000 Indonesian pilgrims, handling more than 30 passengers per minute—over ten times faster than standard biometric e-gates.

Indonesian immigration authorities noted that the corridors reduce pressure on border control staff, particularly during peak periods.

This efficiency allows officers to focus on assisting passengers with complex needs, rather than conducting routine identity checks.

Officials have confirmed that the initial deployment marks the beginning of a broader expansion plan.

In the longer term, the corridors are expected to be rolled out across additional major airports as part of Indonesia’s national digital transformation strategy for aviation services.

Authorities underscored that the technology aims to improve both security and passenger convenience.

By completing identity verification in advance and eliminating document handling upon arrival, the system is expected to shorten queues and enhance the overall travel experience.

The biometric corridors are intended to serve as a foundational element for future initiatives in Indonesia’s aviation and border security ecosystem.