The Foreign Ministry said on Friday that it would shorten procedures for foreign journalists requesting working permits.

Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir said that the policy had been decided upon following an instruction from President Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo in May.

'€œFollowing the President'€™s instruction in May, we will cut bureaucracy for foreign journalists who want to work in Indonesia. The procedures will be shorter, faster and more efficient, but will still follow existing rules,'€ Armanatha said as cited by kompas.com

The ministry, he added, would apply several policies to accelerate the issuance of work permits for foreign journalists.

The policies include allowing foreign journalists to process their working permits at Indonesian embassies and consulates general abroad.

Another policy revokes the requirement for foreign journalists to obtain an identity card issued by the Foreign Ministry.

'€œThose who already have visas and permits will no longer need to secure permits from the Foreign Ministry,'€ Arrmanatha said.

The Foreign Ministry'€™s decision contradicts the Home Ministry'€™s planned policy to tighten procedures for foreign journalists to work in Indonesia.

The Home Ministry issued a circular earlier this week obliging all visiting foreign journalists to report to all levels of government regarding their assignment in the country.

Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, however, decided to revoke the circular on Thursday following widespread protest. (nov/ika)

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