Entry `tax'

Entry `tax'

Approximately two weeks ago I came to Indonesia landing at
Denpasar, Bali. Having completed my immigration and customs forms
on the plane, I walked through the immigration checkpoint with no
problems at all.

However I had a different experience at the customs counter.
Although my three medium-size bags contained nothing more than
the usual quantity of clothing and toiletries etc. for my
intended one-and-a-half month stay in Indonesia, including some
presents for my friends and candy for their children, I was taxed
and ordered to pay US$40 (Rp 86,000).

My question on what this tax was based went unanswered and I
also did not receive a receipt (with or without an explanation)
for the money that I surrendered. I was (obviously) quite upset
and did not really know what to do other than send you this
story.

I only hope that somehow this will get to those authorities
who are able and willing to look into such matters.

WILLEN H. LEENSTRA

Surabaya, E. Java