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