Blatant discrimination

Blatant discrimination

In his letter to The Jakarta Post Didier Gazelle writes that
he finds it unbelievable and intolerable discrimination that,
amongst a handful of other nationals, Belgians now have to apply
for a visa at the Indonesian Embassy in Brussels (and only there
can they obtain a visa).

I fully agree with Gazelle's statement, but there is more bad
news. Most countries are exempted from this time consuming
procedure as visitors from these countries can obtain a visa upon
arrival for a fee of US$25. Well, a 30-day tourist visa to
Indonesia costs no less than 50 euro at the Indonesian Embassy in
Brussels. More than double the visa-upon-arrival fee.

If the decidedly very small group of expatriates on tourist
visas who allegedly "exploit locals" is the reason for limiting
the stay to thirty days for all visitors, then the tourist visa
for Indonesian nationals who go to other countries (which, by the
way, is now up to ninety days) should have been restricted years
ago. What country has never caught an Indonesian "violating" his
visa by working, e.g. in a restaurant or doing business? This
should not be a reason to punish the vast majority of people who
do not violate their visas.

KOEN V

Yogyakarta