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