Tourist visas

Tourist visas

It is really sad to read about the decreasing figures of
tourist visiting Indonesia (The Jakarta Post, April 20).

I have a suggestion which might increase the flow of tourists
despite all the negative reports about the country.

Perhaps, the government should intervene and amend the rules
for getting an Indonesian visitor and tourism visa. This would
mean attracting more tourists and helping these tourists to see
trading potentials, which would help Indonesia as well as
themselves.

Not all foreigners coming to Indonesia are just tourists.
After valuing the buying power of the U.S. dollar against the
rupiah, these people might feel that things are still much
cheaper and exchange their dollars and take home goods from here.
Not as a tourist anymore but as a trader. What is important for
Indonesia is that they would be selling dollars which would
certainly be a plus point for the country as well as the economy.

Also, to bring back tourists' confidence, the government could
organize a fair, like the ones held in Dubai and Singapore, and
be more free toward granting visas during this fair. To be on the
safe side, visas issued during this period should not be allowed
to be extended or renewed under any circumstances.

By organizing such a big event at a time like this, not only
would the country regain its lost glory and be back in world news
with a different outlook but reports telecast by major news
agencies such as CNN would take a strong beating.

At a time when countries like Australia are organizing
down-to-earth prices for holiday packages, wouldn't it be unfair
for Indonesia to remain orthodox in granting visas, thus losing
huge amounts of foreign exchange at a time when it requires it
most.

In my opinion, Indonesia has nothing to lose after all the
turmoil it has faced. So, why not take a chance? But, in the end,
it is for the big officials to decide.

RANJAN

Jakarta