Australian Embassy responds

In response to the letter from Mrs. M. Zainal (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 5, 1996), I would like to apologize if Mrs. Zainal felt that she and her in-laws had been given the "runaround" by immigration staff at the embassy.

The Australian Embassy immigration staff strives to provide a high level of service to more than 130,000 Indonesians who now seek visas each year to travel to Australia.

In relation to our visitor visa requirements, it is not the case that a housewife needs a letter from her husband. In all cases, people wishing to visit Australia as tourists must show that they have adequate funds to support themselves during their stay.

For first-time travelers, this is usually done by providing copies of bank statements. Where the statement is in another person's name, such as a husband's name, it is necessary to provide additional information to verify the relationship (and the ability to use those funds). In most cases, a Kartu Keluarga is all that is required to do this.

PAUL WINDSOR

Counsellor (Immigration)

Australian Embassy

Jakarta