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