Immigration requirements eased

JAKARTA: Senior citizen tourists are invited to visit Indonesia as the government eases its immigration restrictions and cuts the required deposit and funds for accommodation costs in half.

The director general of immigration at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, M. Iman Santoso, issued the policy on April 18, overturning a 2000 decree, which was considered obsolete.

Indonesian representatives abroad or other designated officials have the authority to issue an entry and stay permit for senior citizen tourists, while the proposals for visas and immigration permits can be submitted to Indonesian travel agencies for older tourists or their correspondents abroad.

The original minimum amount of required funds of US$2,500 per month has been reduced to $1,500, while the amount set aside for accommodation costs has been halved from $1,000 to $500 per month in Jakarta, Bandung and Bali.

This amount is much lower in other cities on Java, Batam and North Sumatra's Medan, which only sets the amount at $300 per month, while other tourist locations set the minimum funds for $200 per month. --JP