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Passport applicants get in line via WhatsApp
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Quick service: The immigration office launched an online-based passport application service, which will be on a trial at the South Jakarta Immigration Office starting May 16. (Kompas.com/Dea Andriani)
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tarting Friday, Indonesian passport applicants can reserve queue numbers via popular chat application WhatsApp at the Central Jakarta Immigration as the office has introduced a new registration management system to cut long queues and prevent middleman practices.
The office expects the new system to cut the long lines and better facilitate applicants, office head Tato Juliadin Hidayawan said.
“Digitalization can help improve our services and at the same time help eliminate illegal practices,” he said as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com.
To get a queue number, an applicant need only send a message to cellular number 0812-9900-4406 with the format #Name#date of birth (date-month-year)#date of visit(date-month-year), for example, #BUDI#25011987#14072017. They will get a reply message telling them when to turn up.
Applicants are required to use their own phone numbers to make reservations, arrive at the office 30 minutes before the scheduled time and bring the required original documents. The service is not applicable for those whose passports are missing or damaged, Tato said.
People wanting to get new passports or renew old ones usually stand in long lines at the office from very early in the morning. Middlemen often take advantage of the situation and sell queue numbers to applicants. (vny/rin)
