SITA, a global air transport IT specialist group based in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland, have developed a new biometric system to protect the borders of Indonesia.

The project is part-funded by the Irish Development Association (IDA)

The new biometric system is currently being used by the Indonesia immigration authorities at Adisucipto International Airport serving Yogyakarta in Java.

It will reach the rest of the country by June.

The system created in Ireland will enhance security at the borders by checking watch lists, verifying passports, visas and permits.

The system will also capture the biometrics from travelers, including facial images and fingerprints.

“This new primary line clearance system from SITA significantly raises the level of security at Indonesia’s international borders,” said Erwin Azis, director of Immigration Information Systems in Indonesia.

“The use of biometrics adds an extra element to the identification and verification of arrivals. We can now be confident that people match passports.”

“Letterkenny has been chosen as the location of SITA’s biometrics team and with the support of the IDA we are investing in research to expand our portfolio,” said Maurice Maher, SITA director, Software Development, Ireland.

“Indonesia is the first of, what we hope, will be many countries that will have biometric border systems developed and supported from here.”