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