We visited Medan for a family visit. On the day we left Medan, were treated like criminals by an immigration worker in Polonia airport in Medan. We were told that we had overstayed for only one day in the city but we did not realize it.
We -- my husband, me and our two children (4 and 8 years old) -- were forced to pay a fine of Rp 200,000 (US$21.98) each, or we could not leave the country. I think it was really unprofessional service.
I told him that I did not carry rupiah in my handbag but he forced me to pay the fine. It happened on Oct. 6 at 2.30 p.m.
I had no choice but changing my dollars to rupiah so I could go home safely to my country. Unfortunately, the money changer in the airport refused to give me Rp 8000 for $1 (the rate on that day), he offered me Rp 7,000 for each of my dollar.
I refused and I went back to the immigration officer and told him about it, but he did not care. He kept told me if I didn't pay the fine he would keep our passports and we could not leave Medan.
How scared and upsetting for my husband and two children witnessing their mother being treated like that by an unprofessional immigration worker.
As the government officer, he should be a helper and make things easier for tourists like us. I felt I was robbed by the money changer who took advantage from desperate tourists, while the immigration just wanted the money from us.
Finally, I paid the fine but he wrote me bills for four people. There were no numbers on them and the transaction was not recorded in a computer. It was easy for him to tear the other pages of the receipts and put the money in his pocket.
The people who deal with tourists should be professional and well-trained. However, the man even did not speak good English. Such a condition can drive tourists away from Indonesia.
When I have returned to Australia I was also told by my friend, who had a similar experience in Bali. She told me that she would never go back to Bali anymore.
I wrote a complaint letter to the Indonesian embassy in Canberra about what happened to us and I told them that I was concerned about the money I had paid. I would send those receipts if they need to. I did not receive any response.
This is a serious problem to worry about. If the government does not address this problem, the men in airports will never stop (such illegal practices).
I am so scared to go back to Medan and I told my mother in Medan that she may come to Australia if she want to see us.
MARLINA DAVIS
Adelaide, Australia
