Immigration office smooth and kind

Immigration office smooth and kind

Foreign workers and researchers are well aware that the
process to obtain a temporary stay visa is long and complicated.
Readers of this section of The Jakarta Post also know that the
immigration office in South Jakarta has been criticized for
exacerbating the process. I experienced the problems firsthand
when I applied for a visa last year. The experience was almost
too much to bear, and I nearly walked out of the office with the
intention of going straight home and never returning to
Indonesia.

In light of these criticisms, my most recent trip to that
office deserves mention. Renewing my visa required about one hour
on the first day, after which I was told to return in two days.
The second trip required only about 15 minutes. The process was
much smoother, the employees were polite and helpful, and even
personally guided me from one window to the next.

My experiences at Kantor Imigrasi in South Jakarta last year
and this year were so different they deserve to be noted. I do
not believe the difference is due entirely to good luck or to my
greater familiarity with the system. Rather, I think it is more
likely that the immigration office listened to the criticism and
made adjustments. We, in turn, should give credit where credit is
due. My experience is that the immigration office in South
Jakarta has become a much more friendly and efficient office.
Whoever is responsible deserves credit and thanks.

MYRON SHEKELLE

Jakarta