Comings and goings

Comings and goings

From Pikiran Rakyat

An essential element in human rights is freedom of an
individual to travel wherever he or she wishes. So in this
republic one would be free to travel from Sabang to Merauke, from
Pacitan to Manado.

The only self-identification needed should be a residential
identification card (KTP). Requirement of a travel document to
enter Jakarta, the nation's capital, would be a real setback.
After all, travel documents are only necessary in a state of war.

Likewise, to travel abroad one should only need a passport
and, if required by the destination country, a visa. Trips up to
one month in length within ASEAN countries should be visa-free.

It is indeed surprising that our country requires its citizens
to pay a fiscal tax of Rp 250,000 for air passengers, and Rp
100,000 for sea passengers for a trip abroad.

Just ask foreign tourists, including those from ASEAN
countries, if they have to pay a fiscal fee if they leave their
respective countries. The answer is in the negative, as they only
pay an airport or seaport tax.

This fiscal regulation leaves one wondering whether traveling
overseas is considered the exclusive privilege of business people
and the wealthy. What about the less privileged who wish to visit
friends and relatives who live abroad? Or the man who has saved
money for years to travel to a neighboring country to broaden his
mind, or simply to see how people live in another country?

Whatever the justification of it may be, the collection of
this fiscal tax has reduced people's right to travel freely. They
have, albeit due to economic reasons, been prevented from
traveling abroad, even though an actual ban on overseas travel is
only implemented when requested by relevant government agencies
with respect to criminals and those involved in political
matters.

It is therefore only fitting to propose the scrapping of this
fiscal imposition, in force for many years. What does the
National Commission on Human Rights and the Indonesian
Association of Lawyers have to say about this?

Remember that prior to 1992, the year marking 47 years of
national independence, Indonesians had to apply for an exit
permit before leaving their own country! This exit permit
regulation was a legacy of the Dutch colonial rule when it was
designed to prevent our patriots (labeled "extremists" at that
time) from departing for a foreign country. Fortunately, we said
goodbye to this regulation five years ago.

SUGIANTO WIDJAJA

Cianjur, West Java