Minister Admits Indonesia Rejected Visa of 53 Israeli Citizens
5 June 2018 07:10 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna Laoly admitted that the Indonesian Government had rejected visa application of 53 Israeli citizens.
“We rejected 53 Israeli [citizens' visa] as based on minutes of clearing house meeting," the minister said at the parliament complex in Senayan on June 4, following the travel ban issued by Israel Government towards the Indonesian tourists entering the country.
The ban is allegedly a ‘counter-attack’ after Indonesia rejected 53 visas of Israeli citizens.
According to Yasonna, a country has the rights to impose the ban as an effort to guarantee its sovereignty whatever the reason is.
Read: Israel Bans Entry of Indonesians Travel Agencies Concerned
However, he regretted the travel ban since it affects the tourists visiting Israel for a religious tour. The place, Yasonna continued, is a holy land for both Muslims and Christians who want to visit Jerusalem.
Yasonna said the Indonesian government can only ask the visitors who wish to go for a religious tour in Israel can be imposed an exception.
"That's their rights. We can only ask [for an exception] and hopefully, they will open their heart.”
Budiarti Utami Putri