Government applies sticker visa system

Government applies sticker visa system

JAKARTA (JP): The government has begun to use sticker visas
to replace the commonly used stamped seals as a measure to curb
rampant forged visas being used to enter the country.

Director General of Immigration Muhammad Mudakir said here on
Wednesday that the new rule has been in effect since Jan. 17 in
Indonesian embassies in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong
Kong and Beijing.

"With this sticker visa, counterfeiting will be more
difficult," Mudakir told reporters after presiding over the 50th
anniversary of the immigration office.

Mudakir also said that the government is considering a review
of its visa on arrival privilege currently provided to nationals
from 48 countries.

Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Gen.
Wiranto last month said the government found severe "negative
effects" from the privilege which entitles nationals of
designated countries to remain in Indonesia for 60 days without
having to obtain a visa.

He complained that several countries did not reciprocate in
providing free visas to Indonesian nationals.

The government introduced the privilege -- also known as a
tourist pass -- in 1993 in a bid to drum up tourist arrivals.
Tourism is expected to become the country's main source of
foreign exchange in the coming century. (byg)