U.S. visa denied

U.S. visa denied

From Media Indonesia

I was very disappointed because the United States embassy has
rejected my visa application without any reason, although I had
completed all the requirements.

Here is the story. I wish to take my kids to Los Angeles and
visit Disneyland during their school holidays. Together with 10
people in our family, I took Surabaya's Sitianta Express travel
package to the U.S. We had planned to depart from Soekarno-Hatta
airport on June 14, 1994 at 5:20 p.m., with stopovers in Bangkok,
Los Angeles, Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong and then back to Jakarta.

The 11 of us applied for visas at the U.S. embassy in Jakarta
on June 9, 1994. At that time I was questioned about various
things by the officials in charge. Among other questions was
whether I had bought the tickets, where I would stay in the U.S.,
and information concerning my bank account. I said that
everything -- tickets, accommodation, transportation for our
group -- was being managed by the tourist travel (BPW) in
Surabaya. At this, the officials asked me to show the documents
as they apparently did not believe what I had said.

On June 13, 1994, I returned to the embassy with the tickets
and a note from the travel bureau stating that I would stay at
the Hilton Tower Anaheim. In addition, I showed my banking
account of US$50,000 and Travelers' Cheques worth $10,000 and
other valid documents. Without giving any reasons and examining
my papers, the officials rejected our visa applications.

We were very disappointed by the attitude of the officials who
did not care about our ethical norms. We have shown great
tolerance to U.S. tourists who often do not behave themselves
while visiting this country. On the same day, two more people
received the same treatment and were also denied visas to visit
the U.S.

MRS. POCUT YOSEWINA ATTAHASIH

Jakarta