Data of foreign lawyers

Data of foreign lawyers

Referring to an article titled Are foreign lawyers a problem?
in The Jakarta Post by Donna Woodward on April 23, 1998
concerning the issue of the employment of foreign lawyers in
Indonesia, we restrain ourselves not to give any comments on it.
Nonetheless, since this article also touched on immigration
affairs, we are obliged to state as follows:

1. As in the past, the Directorate General of Immigration of
Indonesia always welcomes any suggestions, complaints and
criticism as long as they supported by complete and concrete
data. With such data, the relevant agencies will conduct an
investigation into the issue with a view to solving it
immediately.

2. As for the statements made in the article relating to
immigration affairs, we would be appreciative if Ms. Donna K.
Woodward could promptly furnish the following complete and
correct data for us to follow up:

a. The names of "ill-qualified expatriates who were employed
without work permits in North Sumatra";

b. The names of "cheap foreigners who work in Indonesia without
proper credentials and permits";

c. The names of "self-styled foreign consultants, managers,
English teachers (English teachers who are the most ubiquitous
undocumented workers, at least in Medan)";

d. The names of "some employers who have gone to great length and
expense to obtain work permits are victimized by greedy
immigration officials";

e. The names of "other foreigners who work openly for years
without obtaining the proper sponsorship and permits".

3. After receiving the above data, the Directorate General of
Immigration will investigate immediately the matters, the results
of which will be given to Ms. Donna K. Woodward in about three
weeks. And those who are proven guilty will be punished properly
according to the existing rules and regulations. However, if Ms.
Donna K. Woodward fails to provide us with the required data
mentioned above in a reasonable period of time, it will be clear
that her statements are simply baseless and thus her credibility
put in question. People can assume therefore that her arguments
to defend her case before Indonesian lawyers on the issue by
blaming others as a scapegoat is malicious act.

4. With regard to her statement that the rules are obscure, etc.
It is of her own interpretation. If she doesn't understand
clearly these rules and regulations, she could have an
opportunity to consult or check with the relevant agency in the
Immigration Office for clarification.

We are looking forward to receiving the full and complete data
from Ms. Donna K. Woodward soon for further action.

MURSANUDIN A. GHANI

Head of Public Relations

Directorate General of Immigration

Jakarta