Jakarta – Justice and Human Rights Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra confirmed yesterday that the government intends to scrap the visa-free facility given to visitors from 49 countries, including Australia.

Some countries had acted unfairly toward Indonesian citizens who had applied for visas to visit the countries, noted Mahendra who gave no reasons behind the new move. Another 20 countries are now facing internal conflicts which make the free movement of people unlikely, he said.

Mahendra gave the example of Australia which still charges Rp.400,000 (US$ 44) per person for those seeking to enter the country, including Indonesians. "Obviously we can't accept that. The government is looking at a policy which will ensure that other countries do not overlook Indonesia's interests," Mahendra said.

He added that the new policy is now under study by related government agencies. "The plan now under study will later be communicated to the countries concerned, and it will be effective three months after notification", Mahendra said. But for countries which have reciprocal visa-free agreements with Indonesia, like ASEAN countries, Hong Kong and Turkey, the situation will remain as normal.

The government is also studying a proposal to grant visas on arrival for visitors at the cost of US$ 50. "We don't have to worry about the plan to impose US$ 50 per visa on arrival. Other countries do the same," Mahendra said.

Meanwhile, Director General for Immigration Mudakir expressed optimism the new policy will not hamper tourism. The Immigration Office, he added, is also studying another application to reduce the stay permit for visa-free visitors from 60 to 30 days.