Australia and tourism

Australia and tourism

I was appalled to discover during a recent visit to the Australian Embassy that Indonesians visiting Australia for vacations have to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to leave that country, or they must have proof of a sponsorship by others to support their departure.

This policy does not encourage me to visit Australia or spend my hard earned cash there. If I were an Indonesian I would look to other areas in South East Asia where a more friendly, trusting attitude is exhibited by host countries.

Do Australians visiting Indonesia have to prove they have sufficient funds to leave Indonesia? I would suspect not.

Visit Bali and take note of the hoards of Australian visitors bumming around, whose demeanor and appearance suggests very limited support for their stay in Indonesia or their departure. I also suspect there are far more Australians who would prefer to live in Indonesia than vice versa.

The Australian government is always claiming to be part of Asia, but its words and actions often do not seem to match.

Surely a return airfare ticket back to the point of departure should be a sufficient indication of a traveler's intentions during a visit to Australia. This subtle way of checking a visitor's intentions is much more polite and Asian.

I suggest that the Australian Embassy, which certainly wants to encourage tourism to Australia, think about its attitude towards their Asian neighbors and treat potential tourists for what they are -- not as likely illegal immigrants.

It is difficult enough finding parking near the new Australian Embassy (none is provided by the Embassy for visitors), but the mistrust shown to applicants for a visitor visa is one more thing to discourage Indonesians from going to Australia.

HUGH PAUL BISHOP

Jakarta