This relaxation was indeed a long-felt need. I congratulate the government for this wise move.

However, there might still be foreigners who visit Indonesia for short visits only, as they have no need to stay for a longer period. Now that the seven-day visas on arrival have been eliminated, such visitors will be forced to shell out US$25 for the 30-day visa.

I suggest that foreign tourists who wish to stay in Indonesia for 60 days at a stretch may be allowed to buy a 60-day visa on arrival. Thus, they don't have to go through the hassle of approaching the immigration office for the 30-day extension.

The government may also collect double the fee, i.e. $50, from the tourists at the immigration checkpoint itself. I assume that the 30-day visa extension would also cost $25. Where is the guarantee that the immigration office will not collect excess fees over and above the $25, while extending the visa for another 30 days?

In short, I request the government review the new policy, so that tourists are granted different options on arrival - say for seven days, 30 days or 60 days at the standard rates of $10, $25 and $50 respectively, with the proviso that both the initial seven-day and 30-day visas may be extended for a maximum period of 60 days.

D. Chandramouli
Jakarta

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