Can the Italian Embassy explain?

I am a student at Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta. I have just received a letter from a relative who owns a business in Milan, Italy. He wants me to visit his family in Milan.

During my stay with his family, he will provide accommodation and cover my daily needs, including my cost of living. Therefore, they are willing to provide the necessary papers relevant to arranging my visa.

When I applied for a visa with a local travel bureau in Yogyakarta, I was asked to show my last bank statement to prove I had a minimum balance of Rp 30 million.

I already have a round-trip ticket, but the balance in my savings account does not meet the minimum Rp 30 million.

According to the travel bureau, the minimum balance is absolutely required, otherwise a visa will never be issued.

I would like the Italian Embassy in Jakarta to clarify this matter for me.

Many thanks to The Jakarta Post for printing this letter.

CHATERIN DE VEGA

Yogyakarta