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.