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