Indonesia's visa policy

Indonesia's visa policy

Regarding your article on page 13 of March 5: New slogan hoped
to boost Indonesian tourist sector, the Indonesian government's
new policy of allowing only 30 days for visa-on-entry visitors
(instead of the previous 60 days) is, I believe, misjudged and
economically detrimental for two reasons. First, thirty days is
nowhere near enough time to experience even a fraction of your
amazing and extensive country. I, as well as other visitors I
have spoken to, would certainly stay for sixty days if allowed.

But more importantly is the loss of significant foreign
exchange earnings. According to the figures in your article, last
years's foreign tourist earnings were some US$3.33 billion from
some three million visitors. Hence, each visitor spent on average
around $1,000 a visit. But if the government is so intent on only
allowing a stay of 30 days, then surely these earnings will be
slashed in half -- even though the number of visitors might
remain the same, as the government is suggesting.

I am sure that a loss of over $1 billion of foreign exchange
would be a significant loss to your reserves, and I am not
surprised that so many of the Indonesian hoteliers and tour
operators are unhappy with the new visa policy.

I would suggest that the government review this policy
carefully before it causes even more damage to the economy.

JOHN LARNER, Singaraja, Bali