TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has scrapped calling visa requirement for Pakistanis.
The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto said that the scrapping of calling visa requirement is aimed at easing access for businessmen and tourists to visit Indonesia. Earlier, Pakistanis wanting to visit the country were required to file an application to Jakarta. "There are several reasons that Pakistan should not be subjected to calling visa," Wiranto said yesterday at the Vice President Office in Jakarta.
One of which being the historic and positive trade relations between Indonesia and Pakistan. The government is hopeful that the decision will allow easier travel of Pakistanis to Indonesia. "Calling visa is too burdensome, complicated, and takes time," Wiranto said.
Ronny Sompie, Immigration Director of the Law and Human Rights Ministry, added that calling visa policy was applied for security reasons. The decision to remove the policy was taken after an evaluation involving several ministries.
As such, Pakistanis may only apply for a visa to Indonesian embassies or consulate general, Ronny said.
ADITYA BUDIMAN
