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