Where is my motorbike?

In January I asked the Indonesian Consulate in Perth if there were any special regulations I would need in order for me to transport my motorbike to Bali, where I would be staying on a KITAS-basis. "No problem! Just take it!", was the friendly answer of the people at the consulate.

After arriving on Feb. 9 at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport, the customs officers started to cause problems, asking for Rp 61 million for customs fees and a deposit (the value of the bike is less than Rp 30 million).

Furthermore, the customs officers wanted a letter of recommendation from the police headquarters in Jakarta. The officials at Bali Police Headquarters (especially Agus Prayitno, Adjutant senior commissioner, and Frans K. Palayukan) were very helpful after I delivered all the required papers, such as my passport, international driving license, Indonesian driving license, KITAS, proof of residence etc.

Bali Police issued a recommendation letter (No. Pol. B/1449/III/2002/Lantas, March 20, 2002). Agus told me that this letter would be sufficient for customs. Wide of the mark! Customs insisted on a letter from Jakarta. I have been waiting patiently for three months. I am tired and angry at getting fooled around by the customs bureaucrats.

President Megawati has complained more than once about bureaucracy. No doubt the customs officials have kept the bike! I would not be surprised to recognize it somewhere.

MICHAEL BEER

Amlapura, Bali