Disappointed

Disappointed

From Suara Pembaruan

At the end of October 1994, I received an invitation from the committee of the 16th PAPE Congress in Tokyo to attend their Congress, in compliance with the recommendation from the Mother Organization, i.e. Private Educational Council (MPS) in Jakarta, as a member of the Indonesian delegation to the conference.

I was very concerned over my failure to leave for Japan and I would like to write an open letter to the Japanese Ambassador.

I began making preparations for my journey -- to arrange a passport and get financial support because all costs for attending the congress must be born by the respective delegate.

On Nov. 9, 1994 I left Manado for Jakarta and the following day I went to the Japanese Embassy to request a visa. But I feel I was treated quite unfairly by a member of the staff (female) even though I had shown the official invitation and appointment by my Organization.

The staff member insisted that I must apply for my visa at the Japanese Consulate in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi. I was in doubt as to whether I could do this because the following day was Friday (which is a short day) and the office is closed on Saturday and Sunday. In fact, I was scheduled to leave for Tokyo on Monday, Nov. 14, 1994 (The Congress started on Nov. 15, 1994).

All my plans ended in vain. I had spent a lot of money to prepare for the occasion, including the cost of a Jakarta-Tokyo return ticket. I returned to Manado deeply disappointed. I was a member of the MPS delegation and at the same time an envoy of one country visiting another country. This was important for enhancing friendship among nations.

I have suffered great loss, both materially and morally. And I feel compelled to express my despondency.

Why doesn't the Japanese Embassy make an announcement that anyone from Eastern Indonesia who wishes to visit Japan must report/apply for a visa at the Consulate in Ujungpandang?

A reply to my letter would be greatly appreciated.

E MANUHUTU

Manado, North Sulawesi