New tourist visa policy
New tourist visa policy
Further to various letters in The Jakarta Post regarding the
Indonesian government's new tourist visa policy, I can only say
how valid the points are that they have raised.
I recently retired after spending the majority of my working
life overseas including the last ten years in Indonesia. Although
British, I would much prefer to spend much of my time in a warm
climate rather than that in UK especially the cold winter.
Currently I am visiting friends here in Indonesia and staying
on a tourist visa for 60 days. This I would hope to renew after a
short trip to a nearby country, as I really prefer being here
where I feel most at home. Whilst in Indonesia I will spend at
least US$2,000 a month; virtually all on Indonesian goods and
services not fares to foreign airlines or accommodation in 5 star
hotels of overseas chains. In addition I do purchase larger items
locally (such as a laptop computer), so in total I am likely to
spend in Indonesia around $20,000 in a year.
There are of course alternative countries to Indonesia where I
can stay but this is really my preferred choice. However if I can
only stay for a maximum of 30 days, must pay for a visa, then
have to leave and cannot return for some time, it becomes less
and less attractive to me. I would prefer to spend my money
staying and traveling in Indonesia but once I leave I might as
well go somewhere such as Malaysia, Thailand or even Australia.
It would seem therefore with the new visa policy, Indonesia is
likely to lose the majority of my annual spending; not a lot
individually but I am sure there are many others in similar
situations and the total loss will not be unsubstantial.
Some comments have been made that the profile of tourists to
Indonesia has changed considerably in recent years and that
budget travelers form a far less important part of these.
However I would comment that, in general, whilst budget travelers
do not spend as much as those staying in expensive resorts,
virtually all they do spend stays within Indonesia and supports
the lower income section of the people.
Hopefully for all local business tied to the tourist industry
as well as the Indonesian economy, there will be some serious
rethinking.
R.H. BARKER
Tangerang, Banten