More expensive passports

More expensive passports

From Kompas

When I applied for a new passport at the immigration office of East Jakarta on June 29, I came to know for the first time how corruption is deeply ingrained in public offices.

I decided not to use the services of an agent in order to reduce the cost. When I returned the next day to have my photo and fingerprints taken, I was charged Rp 175,000 while the fee stated on the counter was Rp 110,000.

When I asked about the Rp 65,000 difference, the official in charge said it was an administrative fee. In fact, the extra payment was not specified in the official fee displayed on the counter notice.

The receipt I was given, however, had the official rate, not Rp 175,000. When I pressed him to explain why, he lightly replied that it was the usual practice.

As an ordinary citizen, I can only hope that the coming government will be headed by honest and clean leaders who are guided by their conscience.

DEDEH N. Jakarta