Indonesian tourism in danger

Starting Feb. 1, 2004, foreign tourists from most countries of the world will be required to hold a visa to enter Indonesia. At first sight, this does not look so unusual, as Indonesians are required to have a visa when visiting most countries of the world. But, looking closer, I think that this new regulation is a very big threat to Indonesia's tourist industry.

Many tourists from rich countries spend money on holidays in Indonesia. They could also go to Malaysia, the Philippines, Mauritius and many other dream countries where no visa is required.

Acquiring a visa in their country of origin is time consuming, as it requires two visits to an Indonesian Embassy in their country. For working people living outside of the capital city, this means a loss of two working days, and two less vacation days.

If these people weigh the advantages of a visa-free country and Indonesia, I think many of them will choose the visa-free country. The regulation has partially answered this by providing the possibility of "buying" a visa at the immigration desk upon entering Indonesia. The cost of this visa is US$25. However, the number of countries whose citizens are allowed to receive this visa on arrival is limited by the regulation to 20.

And this is where I want to launch a vigorous protest as a Belgian citizen. Belgium is not mentioned in the list of those countries from which the tourists can receive a visa on arrival. However, citizens from France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Germany the U.S. and a few others are allowed to receive a visa upon entrance in Indonesia. Why this unbelievable, intolerable discrimination?

We do hope that the Indonesian authorities will realize the injustice of this situation and will amend at least the part of the regulation to allow tourists from more countries that have good relations with Indonesia to receive a visa on arrival.

DIDIER GAZELLE

Bekasi, West Java