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)