KPMG protests accountants' arrest<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Auditing firm KPMG claims its two Malaysian accountants, who are
\nbeing held by South Sulawesi Police for visa violations, have
\ndone nothing wrong.<\/p>\n
The two accountants entered Indonesia with their immigration
\ndocuments in order, the company said in a media statement on
\nWednesday.<\/p>\n
The case, which has sparked anger among Malaysian officials,
\nbegan on Aug. 16 when the two accountants -- Choo Yao Chin and
\nReimala Sivalingam -- were arrested while they were carrying out
\nan audit for a subcontractor of giant nickel miner PT
\nInternational Nickel Indonesia Tbk (PT Inco). The two were
\ncharged with violating immigration laws as according to the
\npolice they entered the country on tourist visas but were working
\nas consultants.<\/p>\n
The KPMG maintains that the accountants have not breached any
\nlaws, saying the two legally entered and worked in Indonesia as
\nthey used a short visit pass, not a tourist visa as earlier
\nreported.<\/p>\n
The KPMG's Malaysian representative argued that the use of a
\nshort visit visa for business purposes was lawful.<\/p>\n
The KPMG said the use of a short visit pass for business
\npurposes was stipulated in Presidential Decree No. 103\/2003 on
\nvisa exemption for short visits.<\/p>\n
"According to the decree, passport holders from Malaysia are
\namong citizens of countries that do not require a work permit
\nbased on reciprocal recognition and bilateral arrangements," said
\nthe KPMG in its statement.<\/p>\n
Under the decree, Malaysian citizens are permitted to enter
\nIndonesia if the purpose of their visit is in the context of
\nrecreation or tourism, social-cultural or business reasons or as
\na governmental duty.<\/p>\n
Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak has voiced
\nconcerns over the treatment of the two accountants by South
\nSulawesi Police. The two professionals have been detained
\nalongside hardened criminals since last month.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/kpmg-protests-accountants-arrest-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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