Coinspeaker
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Granted First Indonesian Golden Visa
Sam Altman, the Chief Executive Officer of OpenAI and a prominent figure in the world of artificial intelligence, has been granted Indonesia’s first golden visa. The Indonesian immigration authority issued a 10-year visa to Altman, citing his international reputation and the potential benefits he may bring to Indonesia.
The golden visa program, introduced last month, aims to bolster economic growth by inviting foreign nationals who make substantial investments in the country to stay for extended periods, ranging from five to 10 years. For instance, individuals who invest a minimum of $350,000 in local public companies, savings accounts, or government bonds are eligible for a five-year stay, while those who invest more enjoy a decade-long privilege.
A Red Carpet Treatment for Golden Visa Holders
One of the key advantages of the golden visa is that it streamlines the immigration process for the visa holders. Upon arrival in Indonesia, the visa holders are no longer required to apply for temporary stay permits at immigration offices. Instead, they are greeted with a red carpet, symbolizing the nation’s appreciation for the resources they bring to Indonesia.
“Once you arrive in Indonesia, you no longer need to apply for a limited stay permit (ITAS) at the immigration office. We are providing the red carpet in return for the resources they can provide to Indonesia,” said Silmy Karim, the country’s immigration director general.
In a statement on Tuesday, the country’s immigration director said that Sam Altman’s receipt of this golden visa holds particular significance due to his leadership at OpenAI, a renowned player in the field of artificial intelligence. His influence and international reputation in the AI research and development industry earned him this special visa recognition.
“There are several categories of golden visas apart from those based on investment/capital investment, one of which is the golden visa, which is given to figures with an international reputation and can benefit Indonesia. In obtaining a golden visa, it must be proposed by a central government agency, Karim said.
With the golden visa in hand, Altman gains exclusive benefits, such as bypassing immigration queues at Indonesian airports, making his entry and exit from the country seamless and efficient.
A Visit to Jakarta
Altman’s intentions regarding potential investments in Indonesia remain undisclosed. However, his visit to Jakarta in June, where he spoke about the future of artificial intelligence, hints at his interest in the nation’s burgeoning technological landscape.
The golden visa could pave the way for collaborations that elevate Indonesia’s prominence in the global AI and technology sector.
Meanwhile, OpenAI, under Altman’s leadership, has captured worldwide attention by catalyzing investments in AI infrastructure. The company’s innovative tools, including the revolutionary ChatGPT, have transformed the AI landscape, emulating human-like intelligence through extensive data centers.
OpenAI recently made a $5 million investment in the American Journalism Project (AJP) as part of its commitment to journalism. The organization will support local media outlets across the United States with the funds.
