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