Indonesia, the vast archipelago country in Southeast Asia, is known for its rich cultural diversity, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant traditions.
It's also known for its breathtaking Islands, cultural heritage, ancient temples, flora and fauna, its variety and rich cuisine, volcanoes, and not to mention, its locals' warm hospitality.
Among others, these make Indonesia amongst the most popular tourist destination in Asia.
And Sam Altman, the co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, is the lucky recipient of Indonesia’s first-ever "golden visa."
The news was delivered by Silvy Karim, Indonesia’s director of immigration, who announced that the country is giving a 10-year permit to Altman, whose OpenAI developed the viral chatbot ChatGPT.
The statement by the Indonesia's immigration ministry came just days after the Southeast Asian country unveiled the golden visa as the new visa meant for wealthy investors.
The immigration ministry announced that whoever is willing to invest at least $2.5 million shall be eligible for a 5-year permit, whereas those who invests at least $5 million can get a 10-year permit.
Wealthy individuals can also get the golden visa by establishing a new company, or having their company invest at least $25 million in the country to get a 5-year permit, and $50 million to get a 10-year permit..
Different regulations apply to individual foreign investors who do not intend to establish a company in Indonesia.
For the 5-year golden visa, applicants are required to place funds amounting to $350,000, which can be used to purchase Indonesian government bonds, shares of public companies, or placement in savings/deposits. Meanwhile, for the 10-year golden visa, the required amount to be placed is $700,000.
The scheme targets “quality investors,” Karim said at the time.
But not just people with money and business because according to Karim, the country could also grant the golden visa to people who have "an international reputation and may bring benefits to Indonesia."
The country’s immigration ministry said by offering the special visa, Altman would consider contributing to the development of AI in Indonesia.
And this is why Altman is eligible, and that he becomes the first-person ever to receive the special visa.
Not just that, because according to the immigration ministry, Altman also gets priority through the country’s security screening, and is exempt from needing to apply for a temporary stay permit.
"We are rolling out the red carpet in return for the resources they provide to Indonesia," Silmy said in his statement.
Altman visited Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital city, in June as part of his global tour to share his views on the opportunities and challenges of AI. In a public forum, the executive said that he planned to "democratically" hand over the responsibility of judging the risks of AI to national governments.
Altman also reportedly received a copy of Indonesia’s plans to develop AI by 2045.
Indonesia's golden visa is Indonesia's second attempt to target foreigners who wish to spend their time in the country.
Before, the country had efforts to target digital nomads, many of whom have been residing in popular tourist spots, including Bali.
Indonesia's golden visa is similar to investment visa offered by some other countries.
The scheme has long been popular with with wealthy individuals around the world. A few countries go a step further than that, by offering outright citizenship to whoever is ready to invest enough money.
The OpenAI founder has been amongst the top foreigners on Indonesia's list, with others include Elon Musk.
Read: How Indonesian President's Meeting With Elon Musk Sparked Mixed Online Reviews