RI demands on-arrival visas from Australia
RI demands on-arrival visas from Australia
Riyadi Suparno, Jakarta Post, Tanjung Benoa, Bali
Following the signing of a partnership agreement between
Australia and Indonesia, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for
the Economy Aburizal Bakrie demanded on Monday that the
Australian government issue visas-on-arrival to Indonesians.
Speaking at the opening of the Indonesia-Australia Business
Conference here, Aburizal said that such visas for Indonesians -
the same as Indonesia offers to Australians - would facilitate
more movement of people, and lead to better trade and investment
opportunities for all.
He added that it would be consistent with and help strengthen
the comprehensive partnership agreement signed by President
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Prime Minister John Howard during
Susilo's recent visit to Australia. That agreement seeks to boost
bilateral ties in all sectors, including defense, economy and
people-to-people contacts.
Aburizal suggested that Australia and Indonesia adopt similar
policies on the free movement of people as the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had done.
"Good friends do not make it difficult for people to visit
each other, to see and enjoy the beauty of their lands and to
seek opportunities in business," Aburizal said during the
conference.
Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile said later that he did
not hear Aburizal's statement and therefore could not respond
directly to the proposal.
Vaile, nevertheless, said that the number of approved visa
applications from Indonesians was very high, at 95 percent. He
added that he would continue to facilitate the movement of people
from both sides to improve trade and investment.
Australia is one of many countries that receives the on-
arrival visa facility (for between US$10 and $25, and up to 30
days) when coming here. In fact, this represents a step backward
as before the policy was introduced, Australians were granted
free 60-day short-visit visas upon arrival at any entry point.
Speaking to journalists after the conference, Aburizal said
that Indonesia deserved better treatment in terms of visas to
enter Australia because "Indonesia is not a terrorist country."
"There are a number of countries that face even worse security
problems than us, and yet, Australia grants them better
treatment," he said. However, he refused to name them. "I think
they understand this."
Aburizal also explained that he had raised the issue with the
Australian side, but the latter - according to Aburizal - did not
respond to it directly, only promising that it would improve its
visa services for Indonesians.
Despite the improving relations, some say that it is very
unlikely that Australia will grant on-arrival visa to Indonesians
any time soon, as it would likely be unpopular.