Indonesia Exotic Destination

Pasola - Sumba Island

2010-02-01T22:37:00.000-08:00

The Pasola is held each year on the island of Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara. The name comes from the word ola or hola, meaning "spear". Two opposing teams vie to throw spears while racing on small horses. The contest is held in an open field, witnessed by local people and both domestic and foreign tourists.

The Pasola is part of a series of Sumbanese ritual related to the animist belief Marapu. The critical ceremony is the Nyale, the gathering of sea worms; this is followed by the Pasola.

Slaughtering chickens and making ketupat (rice cooked in woven coconut leaves) are other essential aspects of this series of rituals, held in several locations on Sumba, including Wanukaka. These auguries foretell the fate of those who will take part in the Pasila. If a chicken continues to bleed from its intestines or if any of the cooked ketupat are reddish or brownish, these are held to b bead signs, indicating that family members taking part in the Pasola may be injured or even killed.

In the evening, community leaders observe the appearance of the full moon and pray facing in the direction of the full moon. From this, they can determine the precise position of the moon and the presence of waves along the coast, indicating that Nyale season has come. When conditions are right, sea worms - nyale - appear in great numbers, making hem easy to catch, so the villagers assemble and start hunting the nyale.

The annual appearance of the nyale is then celebrated through the Pasola ceremony. The Nyale and Pasola rituals are based on several local folk tales. One was about three brothers from Waiwuang village who went to sea for many months. One of he wives was sure they had died, and so she remarried. When the fishermen returned (still alive), her husband felt insulted. But the problem was amicably resolved by setting several requirements for the woman and her new husband; one was that they had to offer a bunch of live sea worms. So every year, the people of Sumba hunt nyale, and follow this with the Pasola celebration.

Hundred of participants, from many villages throughout Sumba, are involved in the Pasola. The games start when the prefix pa is added, giving the words pa-hola. The spectators are always very excited when watching the spears flying, and they have to take care not to be hit themselves if one goes astray.

Spectators, including the womenfolk related to the competing teams, cheer on the competitors; the cheering itself is another major attraction of the ceremony. The contest has no set rules; basically, each player has the right to focus on anyone from the opposite team and try to unhorse him. Players can only attack from his horse. However, even those who have been unhorsed stay in the Pasola until it ends, provided they have the stamina. These days, the competitions last for about three hours, though in the past they continued much longer.

As well as being skilled at throwing a spear while riding a horse, a Pasola participant needs to be mentally prepared for possible injury or even death. Although there is no genuine hostility involved, the Pasola is a serious sport. The more people injured, the better the spectators like it; the blood is believed to make the soil fertile, bringing abundant harvest later in the year. Thus, some blood must always be spilled in each year's Pasola.

Jakarta After Dark - Dance

2009-10-18T20:26:00.001-07:00

Jakarta's best venues are spread all over town, hidden away inside skyscrapers, rather than an easy entertainment district. The city's clubs and bars also open, close and reopen at a dizzying rate.

Lush surroundings are increasingly the rule. New additions to the Jakarta night scene appear locked in an interior decor contest to produce the most opulently extravagant and artfully lit surroundings. And while weekends are the busiest time, Wednesday is an established midweek night out, a chance to de-stress in a city of 12 million.

And the patrons, they can simply be called the beautiful people. Jakarta's clubs are places to be spotted, and Indonesia's uber-glamorous night clubbers are as hip and elegant as any on the planet. Here's a quick spin around some of the city's highlights.

Embassy

Embassy
East End Building Unit 704 - Taman Ria Senayan
Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto Jakarta 10720

For music Lovers, there is plenty on offer. Truly clubbers head to Embassy in Taman Ria, a custom-build that plays host to the hippest international DJs on the dance music circuit. Arrive after midnight on Fridays or Saturdays for some devilishly deep grooves and the chance to mingle with the mobile-phone brigade.

Centro

Centro
Centro in south Jakarta, a branch of the once-famous Singapore club, also plays host to big name spinners, who rocket through the amazing sunken dance floor with regularity. This club, located on Jl. Dharmawangsa IX (Next to CityWalk), has surely won its own people since its opening a couple of years ago.

The only thing some people could find annoying about this club is that they have very strict door guard. You don't dress well, you don't get in. So, if you want to go to Centro, make sure you dress up very well and respect all their rules.

Dragonfly

Dragonfly
23 Jalan Jenderal Gatot Subroto, Jakarta, 12930
Phone: (0)21 520 6789

If music comes second to a chance to mingle with a champagne-sipping crowd in artful surroundings, then Dragonfly will be to your tastes. It oozes style and has been the city's hippest bar-restaurant-club for a couple of years. The dance floor here is well lit and friendly, but there are often long queues to get in.

The visitor is more mellow and features chunky grooves. Its lengthy bar runs from the entrance to the large Taman Ria Lake at the back. Here, one can sip drinks with the young crowd who flock in.

Blowfish

Blowfish
For a multi-room, cavernous club experience, try Blowfish. With its House and R&B tracks, it's a neon-lit pleasure-dome - think MTV studio stage meets Starfish Enterprise, packed with young BMW drivers. Inside, a quieter wine bar offers sumptuous white leather furnishings amid what must be 1,000 bottles of wine.

Nu China

Nu China
Another popular disco bar is Nu China on south Jakarta's famous Kemang strip. A small, stylish darkened lounge bar, Nu China serves a fine cocktail. For a more kitsch and theatrical experience, head to the Soviet-themed Red Square, which is perhaps the most densely packed club in town an done of the friendliest. However, finding the rest rooms presents a major challenge - alternatively, just keep dancing.

Jl. Kemang Raya no.24 Jakarta Selatan, Phone (021) 7193854
Operating Hours:
Sunday, Munday, Tuesday, Thursday : 17.00—02.00
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday : 17.00—03.00

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Jakarta - The City With a Million Charms

Jakarta - The City With A Million Charms

2009-10-16T22:57:00.000-07:00

Monas Monument - Jakarta

As the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta is a modern metropolitan that offers an exciting mix of the old and new, the traditional and the sophisticated. It is the city with a million charms.

Jakarta is indeed the true melting pot of Indonesia, the fourth most populous nation with over 220 million people, 17,000 islands and over 200 ethnic groups speaking 350 different languages. And as the center of trade and commerce, finance and industry, Jakarta offers you all the comfort and luxury to make your visit a memorable experience - for business or pleasure.

Jakarta - Indonesia's bustling capital, and home to over 8 million people (although estimates do vary greatly) - dates back to the fifth century AD. The first confirmed record of inhabitants in the area comes from a Tugu inscription which refers to a community of the Tarumanegara kingdom living along the coast near what later become known as Sunda Kelapa. The city was officially founded in 1527, when the harbour town of Sunda Kelapa was renamed Jayakarta (meaning great victory) by the conquering prince Fatahillah but this was later changed to Batavia before becoming Jakarta.

Ondel-ondel - Jakarta's Mascot

For tourist, Jakarta offers a treasure trove of attractions, shopping, museums, golf, fine dining and nightlife that have made it one of Southeast Asia's best-kept secrets. An economic boom in the mid-nineties led to the construction of dozens of first-class hotels, some of which are rated as the best in the region - good news for business travelers to the capital who can have their pick of Jakarta's 20,000 hotel rooms at cut-price rates.

Another highlight of any trip to Jakarta is the food. The city offers a fantastic range of restaurants with every type of cuisine from Brazilian to Turkish to Korean, and everything in between.

The accompanying map and listing is not meant as a definitive guide to the city. Hopefully it will give unfamiliar visitors an overview of some of the delights on offer. If in doubt, consult the concierge or front desk at your hotel.

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Jakarta After Dark - Dance

Bali, The Island's Exotic Tropical Gateaway

2009-10-12T00:43:00.000-07:00

Bali Map - Indonesia

When it comes to tropical getaways, Bali is definitely a prime destination. brimming with thousands of temples, sparkling beaches, and endless shopping experiences, the island as always been the perfect playground for paradise seekers. And when the night closes in, watch the dazzling sunset as rolling waves come crashing onto shore.

Here, in the Island of the Gods, infinite pleasures await at every turn.

Bali is an Indonesian island located at the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands with area 5,632.86 sq km, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. The largest city is the provincial capital, Denpasar, near the southern coast. The island is also the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking and music. There is a certain magic and freshness about Bali, with its many exquisite sights and scores of talented and charming people. Bali is an ancient, traditional society that is still incredibly alive and vital.

Unlike most of Muslim-majority Indonesia, about 93.18% of Bali's population adheres to Balinese Hinduism, formed as a combination of existing local beliefs and Hindu influences from mainland Southeast Asia and South Asia. Bali is the land of 10,000 temples. The pura is the central place for worship, civic, family and social gathering. Dance, drama, ritual and cremation ceremonies are an integral part of Balinese Hindu culture.

Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who don't just have a culture but actually live it. In Bali spirits come out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time.

Bali is a shopper's paradise, particularly for casual and tailored clothing, locally made jewelery, handicrafts, antiques and artifacts. Leather ware is one of the unexpected local bargains with everything from handbags through to tailor made leather jackets and coats, all at unbelievable prices. In fact, prices are so inexpensive, you're sure to need more room in your suitcase! Try bargaining at the street markets of Kuta, Sanur of Nusa Dua or fixed price shopping at a Denpasar department store.

For those that want to stay wet, Bali Island has world class scuba diving, snorkeling and wonderful day trips out to Nusa Penida for beach sports and coral viewing.

Sunset at Kuta beach - one of a favorite tourist place in Bali with white sand and nice wave for water sports

When the sun sets, the choices are still hard to make - a quiet romantic moon lit dinner or watch the spectacular Balinese Fire Dance or Kecak Dance. For those that want to party, Bali Island has it all with bars, discos and nightclubs. Visitors are dazzled by its culture performances, traditional dances and wide range of culinary delights to chose from. Bali has it all. As a truly international destination attracting visitors from all over the world, restaurants in Bali are extremely cosmopolitan yet inexpensive. Experience not only local delicacies like Nasi Goreng and Sate Campur but also Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Italian/European Greek, Moroccan and even Mexican cuisine. We must not forget Bali's wonderful seafood - local lobster at such prices that you will want to keep coming back for more.

For those more culturally inclined, Bali can offer the peace and tranquility of Ubud high in the hills; the spectacular Mother Temple at Besakih; the ancient capital of Bali, Singaraja and the floating palace at Ujung near the pretty beach area of Candi Dasa. The Scenery is nothing less than spectacular. Jungle, picturesque hillside rice terraces and the awesome magnificence of Kintamani Volcano.

The more active, wanting a break from the idyllic beaches, can experience wonderful golf courses in the mountains at Bedugul and beach-side at Nusa Dua, the thrill of white water rafting or kayaking down the beautiful Ayung River; mountain cycling amid scenery you will never forget and organized rice paddy and jungle treks to see the side of Bali most tourists never encounter.

Bali Island, a truly international destination, offers every standard of accommodation ranging from charming yet modest bungalow style hotels in lush tropical gardens for the budget minded through to arguably amongst the most exclusive and sophisticated hotels in the world.

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Indonesia Visa: Service Visa

2009-07-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

Passport

Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all.

Who Requires A Visa to Visit Indonesia?

Information on Visa Requirements (source: Embassy of Indonesia)

VISAS

Foreign citizens may apply for visas to enter Indonesia under the following categories:

SERVICE VISA (U.S./Foreign Officials)

Service Visas are given to foreign citizens bearing service passports/Laissez Passer (UN Passport) on assignment to Indonesia for non-diplomatic purposes.

US citizen: based on reciprocity, the service visa is free of charge, provided that the applicant is eligible and completed all the requirements.

Other national, please contact us at (202) 775 5279/5244.

Requests for Service Visas must be submitted through an Indonesian diplomatic mission abroad, by filling out the appropriate application forms and enclosing:

Complete proof of identity of the passport bearer.
Two recent color photographs (passport size) on picture-quality paper.
The original passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of submission.
A diplomatic note from related US agencies confirming the person's non-diplomatic assignment. For other nationals, a similar diplomatic note from the Embassy/Consulates.

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Indonesia Visa

Indonesia Visa: Visit Visa

2009-06-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

VISIT VISA

There are several types of the Visit Visa, based on the purpose of visit:

Tourist (Single or Multiple Entries)
Business (Single or Multiple Entries)
Social Visit, e.g. to visit family/relative, social or cultural exchange, etc (Single or Multiple Entries)
Journalist Visa, please contact the Information Division of the Embassy/Consulate Generals to proceed.
Research Visa (Single Entry), the Embassy/Consulate Generals could not process the research visa without prior official notification or approval from the Immigration and the Indonesian Institutes of Sciences (LIPI) . The applicant should contact the Bureau for Cooperation and Promotion of Science and Technology at LIPI, ph. 62-021-5251542 or 5225711, fax. 62-021- 5265457 or 5225640. The applicant should write a letter that providing all the detail of the research. The Bureau would assist the applicant with the proper permit and authorization from related agencies in Indonesia, including the immigration. Please ask the Bureau regarding the necessary requirements.

Note (please read carefully):

Single Entry means that you could only use the visa one time to enter Indonesia, and then the visa expired/void. The Indonesian Embassy and the Consulate Generals may issue a Single Entry Visa for up to 60 days visit. (The fee for single entry is US $45.00).

Multiple Entries means that you could use the visa to enter Indonesia several times within one year (the visa is valid for a year). However, the visitor could only stay no longer than 60 (sixty) days in Indonesia. For the Multiple Entries, the applicant's passport must be valid at least 1 year. (The fee for multiple entries is US$ 100.00).

Visa Fee may be paid by Cash, Money Order or Company Check payable to Embassy of Indonesia. Cash may be used only if the applicant applies in person at the Embassy. Personal Check would not be accepted.

Please be advised that all Indonesian Representative (Embassy or Consulate Generals) hold the right to deny any applicant that deemed ineligible without disclosing the reason.

The Visit Visa processing usually completed in three working days. However, please be advised that citizens from certain countries may have a longer time for the completion due to background check. Please also note that the applicant who wishes to enter restricted regions may also have to wait longer.

Please be advised that Visa-Free Short Visits may only be extended upon approval from the Minister of Justice and Human Rights/Director General of Immigration of the Republic of Indonesia based on natural disaster, illnes or accident, but cannot be transferred to another type of visa. Overstay visitors incur to pay a penalty of US$20.- per day (for under 60 days stay) whilst over 60 days stay will be a 5 (five) year prison sentence or a fine of IDR25.000.000 (local currency).

General requirements for Visit Visa:

Passport must be valid at least 6 months at the date of entry into Indonesia. For the Multiple Entries, the passport must be valid at least 1 year.
Passport contains at least one blank visa page. Amendment and endorsement pages cannot be used for visa purposes.
Application form (in duplicate) must be completed and signed by the applicant. The application form could be downloaded from the website.
Two recent color photographs (passport size) on picture-quality paper
Inoculation is recommended but not mandatory, and is required only if applicant had previously traveled to areas/countries infected by yellow fever.
Applicants under 18 years of age should attach a notarized copy of birth certificate and notarized letter of consent signed by non-traveling parents/guardian.

Tourist Visa

Nationals of any country not included in the list of the countries that eligible for Visa-Free Visits, must have a visa and should submit their application accordingly.
The maximum length of stay is 4 (four) weeks, and can be extended/transfer.

The following documents should be submitted with an applications for a tourist visa :

Onward or return tickets;
Travel itinerary;
Evidence that the applicant has sufficient funds to maintain him/herself during his/her stay (e.g. a recent Bank statement) in Indonesia;

Business Visa

This visa is given to applicants going to Indonesia for normal business activities (including attending a conference/seminar) which do not involve taking up employment or receiving any payments whilst in Indonesia.
The maximum length of stay is 60 days.

The following documents should be submitted with an application for a business visa :

a. For business :

Two supporting letters, each from the applicant's firm in Thailand and the applicant's sponsor/counterpart in Indonesia setting out the reason for the visit, details of the duration of the proposed visit, and responsibility for accommodation/ maintenance costs.
Evidence that the applicant has sufficient funds to maintain him/herself during his/her stay in Indonesia (e.g. a recent Bank Statement).

b. To attend a conference/seminar :

A Letter from the conference host setting out details, including the nature, duration and programme of the conference/seminar.
Evidence that the applicant has sufficient funds to maintain him/herself during his/her stay in Indonesia (e.g. a recent Bank Statement).

Social Visit Visa

This visa is issued to applicants who are going to Indonesia for a social/ cultural visit, for example, visiting relatives or friends who live in Indonesia; visiting social organisations with the same type of activities; for exchange visits between educational institutions, carrying out research, and attending training programme in Indonesia.
The maximum length of stay is 60 days.
Including Journalistic visit are media coverage and shooting film. Before applying visa for journalistic purposes, one should obtained the special permission from the related Indonesian government institution. The Embassy provides the application formular for media coverage and film shooting in Indonesia.
A person granted a visa for study, research or training is not permitted under Indonesian law to take up employment, and may not remain in Indonesia for this or any purpose other than that for which the visa was granted.

The following documents should be submitted with an application for a social visit visa:

For visiting relatives/social visits :

A Letter of invitation from the applicant's family/ relatives/ friends/ social organizations in Indonesia;
Evidence that the applicant has sufficient funds to maintain him/herself during his/her stay (e.g. a recent bank statement etc.) or a third-party letter guaranteeing to support the applicant financially during his/her stay, together with documentary evidence of ability to do so;
Evidence of obligation in the applicant's country of permanent residence (e.g. letter from the employer/college certifying the applicants' intention to return there after the visit to Indonesia).

For Exchange visits between educational institutions:

A Letter of registration from the college/school/institution in Indonesia verifying the duration/nature of the course, training or research;
Evidence that all the necessary fees have been paid in advance. If the applicant is on a scholarship/ award, a statement/ letter of confirmation from the sponsor(s)/ awardee(s) is required;
Evidence that the applicant has sufficient funds to maintain him/herself for the duration period of his/her proposed stay in Indonesia;
Evidence of obligation in the applicant's country of permanent residence (e.g. letter from the employer/ college/ school certifying the applicants' intention to return there after the visit to Indonesia)

Journalist Visa

A Journalist Visa is issued to foreign journalists/reporters who intend to enter Indonesia for media coverage or documentary film purposes. This visa could be obtained through these following procedures at the Indonesian Embassy or representative office at the country where the applicant resides, or, at the nearest country if none:

1. Applicant should fill the visa application form provided at the Embassy/representative office and submit:
* His/her original passport (valid more than 6 months at time of request)
* 2 (two) recent colour photographs (4x6 cm)
* Sponsor letter from his/her News Agency/Editor stating the purpose of travel to Indonesia, places to be visited/covered, and the date/schedule of coverage.
* List of equipments (if any) brought by the applicant to Indonesia
* Synopsis or background information of the story/documentation to be made in Indonesia.

2. Applicant(s) will be further informed by the Embassy/representative office regarding the date and time to collect his/her visa.

3. For interview of State/Government officials purposes, applicant/Editor could also fax a written request to the:

Directorate of Press and Information Services, Department of Foreign Affairs
Fax: (+6221) 3857316
while awaiting his/her visa to be processed.

4. Once granted the Journalistic Visa, the applicant should report to the

Directorate of Press and Information Services, Department of Foreign Affairs
Jl. Taman Pejambon 6, Jakarta Pusat
upon his/her arrival in Indonesia, to collect his/her Temporary Press Card. For documentary film purposes, the applicant should also report to the

Department of Culture and Tourism
Jl. M.T. Haryono kav.47-48 Jakarta Selatan
to collect his/her shooting permit.

5. At time of report, applicant should submit: (a) copy of his/her passport and visa; (b) two coloured photographs (3x4 cm); (c) Letter of Notification provided by the Indonesian Embassy/Representative office where his/her visa was issued.

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Indonesia Visa

Indonesia Visa: Limited Stay Visa

2009-06-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

LIMITED STAY VISA

Limited Stay Visa are given to Regular Passport holders, valid for a 1 (one) year stay in Indonesia and must not exceed the validity period of his/her travel documents.

Note (please be kind to read carefully):

The limited stay visa is always a single entry.
For those who (visa holder) supposed to exit and re-enter Indonesia many times, they should, once they arrive in Indonesia, contact the nearest immigration office to be able to apply for the temporary stay permit (KIMS/KITAS) and also to apply for an exit and re-entry permit if they plan to travel abroad and wish to re-enter Indonesia. Usually the sponsor in Indonesia has arranged all necessary permit and knew how to proceed to obtain KIMS/KITAS and re-entry permit from the local immigration.

Indonesian Embassy/Consulate Generals must have the authorization from the Indonesian Immigration before a limited stay visa issued. If you want to apply for the limited stay visa, please contact your sponsor in Indonesia to apply it through the nearest immigration office. Once if granted, the immigration would send official notification to the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate Generals.

The Indonesian Embassy/Consulate Generals would not issue a limited stay visa without official notification or approval from the Indonesian immigration.

Please be advised also to obtain permission if you wish to enter/stay at the restricted regions (Aceh, Maluku, Poso, and Irian Jaya) from appropriate authorities, including immigration.

The requirements for the Limited Stay Visa:

Passport must be valid at least 6 months at the date of entry into Indonesia.

Passport contains at least one blank visa page. Amendment and endorsement pages cannot be used for visa purposes.
A letter of intent (duplicate) from employer or sponsor, which describes the purpose of the visit and guaranteeing all transportation and living expenses that will incur in Indonesia.
Application form (in duplicate) must be complete and signed by the applicant. The application form is available at the website.
Two recent color photographs (passport size) on picture-quality paper.
Applicant's curriculum vitae in triplicate.
Police certificate of good conduct in triplicate.
Work agreement/contract in triplicate.
Employee's certificate in triplicate.
Triplicate copies of marriage certificate and birth certificate of accompanying family member (spouse/children).
Certificate of vaccination in triplicate.
Visa application by mail should enclose a self-stamped and addressed envelope for Express Mail or Fed Ex.
For those conducting activities in religious, research, education, or social mission, must enclose the original and a copy of a letter of recommendation from the institution or specific department/division that has assigned them.
For those who wish to work in a foreign investment or domestic investment ventures, or as a technical professional on assignment by a foreign aid organizations, must furnish a letter of recommendation from a technical department in Indonesia, the Indonesian Department of Labor, the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board, and a copy of the letter of agreement to employ foreign labor.
Length of Stay: Over 3 (three) months up to 2 (two) year.
The fees for Limited Stay Visa are:

- Up to 6 (six) months = US$ 50.00
- Up to 1 (one) year = US$ 100.00
- Up to 2 (two) year = US$ 175.00

Payment: Fee may bee paid by Cash, Money Order or company check payable to: Embassy of Indonesia. Cash can be used only if the applicant applies in person at the Consular Division, Embassy of Indonesia.
Validation: The visa is good for any entry within 3 months from the date of issuance. Upon arrival, report to the Immigration to obtain a semi-permanent residence card.
For those seeking repatriation, must provide proof of former Indonesian citizenship and proof of a guarantee of living expenses in Indonesia.

All above requirements apply to spouse and family members, except for the letter of intent, curriculum vitae, work agreement or contract and recommendation from the sponsor.

Working Permit in Indonesia

Employing of a foreign operational director, manager, technician, expert and even specialized workers by a company in Indonesia is allow, as long as there is no Indonesian available who is qualified to fill the position or job. The Department of Labor in Indonesia issues regulations on this matter in the form of a list of professional positions in every business sector that are open for the employment of expatriates.

An expatriate wishing to take up employment in Indonesia needs to obtain a working permit.

Usually, the Working Permit will be taking care of by the employer.

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Indonesia Visa

Indonesia Visa: Special Visa for Retired/Senior Citizen

2009-06-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

SPECIAL VISA FOR RETIRED/SENIOR CITIZEN

A temporary stay visa may issue to a retired/senior citizen who wants to visit Indonesia and stay longer than 60 days. The special visa shall be valid for one year and could be extended for not more than 5 (five) time consecutively. It means that this special visa
eligible for up to five years (extension subject to immigration approval).

Please also note that the Special Visa for Retired/Senior Citizen is treated same as a Limited Stay Visa. It means that the applicant should seek authorization from Indonesian immigration prior to apply for the visa at the Embassy/Consulate Generals. The Special
Visa is a single entry.

The requirements that the applicant should meet for the Special Visa:

Passport must be valid at least 6 months at the date of entry into Indonesia.
Passport contains at least one blank visa page. Amendment and endorsement pages cannot be used for visa purposes.
Application form (in duplicate) must be complete and signed by the applicant.
Two recent color photographs (passport size) on picture-quality paper.
Retired/senior citizen must be at least 55 (fifty five) years old.
A written guarantee statement from retirement fund Institution/ bank, either in the country of origin (in the US or others depending on your nationality) or in Indonesia, regarding the availability of funds to support the needs during the requested stay in Indonesia.
Health insurance, life insurance, and liability insurance related to third party, be obtained from either the country of origin (in the US or others depending on your nationality), or Indonesia.
A written statement declaring the willingness to reside at available accommodation in Indonesia, obtained either by rent of purchase.
Foreign senior are required to employ domestic workers during their residency in Indonesia.
It is advisable that retired/senior citizen consult authorized Indonesian travel agent to assist in obtaining necessary immigration permit prior to arrival in Indonesia.
Non US-Citizen: Please be advised that applicant with a B1/B2 visa would not be processed unless there is firm ground for the applicant. Such applicant suggested for obtaining Indonesian visa from country of origin.
Visa application by mail should enclose a self-stamped and addressed envelope for Express Mail or Fed Ex.

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Indonesia Visa

Indonesia Visa: Non-Visa Short Term Visit

2009-06-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

NON-VISA SHORT TERM VISIT

Citizens from 11 countries are given Non-Visa Short Term Visit for purposes of holiday, exhibition, tourism, business, and social-culture and valid for 30 (thirty) days. This Visa could not be converted, extend or to obtain other immigration permit.
Citizens of those 11 countries must always have a return ticket, and be able to provide proof of availability of living expenses equivalent to US$ 1,000.00 (one thousand US dollars) prior to arriving in Indonesia.

Those 11 countries are as follows:

1. Brunei Darussalam
2. Chili
3. Hongkong SAR
4. Macao SAR
5. Malaysia
6. Morocco
7. Philippines
8. Peru
9. Singapore
10. Thailand
11. Vietnam

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Indonesia Visa

Indonesia Visa: Diplomatic Visa

2009-06-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

DIPLOMATIC VISA

Diplomatic Visas are given to foreign citizens bearing diplomatic passports, for the conduct of diplomatic assignments in Indonesia.

US citizen: based on reciprocity, the diplomatic visa is free of charge, provided by the applicant is eligible and completed all the requirements.

Requests for Diplomatic Visas must be submitted via an Indonesian diplomatic mission abroad, by filling out the appropriate registration forms and enclosing :

Complete proof of identity of the passport bearer.
One 4x6 cm color passport photographs of the passport bearer.
The original diplomatic passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of submission.
A diplomatic note confirming the person's diplomatic assignment.

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Indonesia Visa

Indonesia Visa: Visa on Arrival (VOA)

2009-06-23T12:04:00.000-07:00

VISA ON ARRIVAL (VOA)

In accordance with the Regulation of Minister of Law and Human Right of the Republic of Indonesia Number: M.02-IZ.01.10 year of 2007 dated May 28, 2007, citizen from 62 countries and 1 region are eligible for applying Visa on Arrival (VOA). This visa can be applied directly when you are landed at the certain airports and seaport in Indonesia. The Visa on Arrival can not be converted, extended or to obtain immigration permit. The maximum stays permitted for the visa on arrival is 30 days.

The general requirements for visa on arrival are:
• Expiration date of the applicant’s passport must be at least 6 (six) months at the date of entry.
• Round-trip airplane ticket, and fees

The fee for visa on arrival are:
• Visa for stay up to 7 (seven) days = US$ 10,-
• Visa for stay up to 30 (thirty) days = US$ 25,-

Process for Obtaining a Visa on Arrival (VoA)

Visitors from countries with Visa-On-Arrival status will go to new 'VoA Counters' to have their passports stamped with the on-arrival visa before going to the Immigration Clearance Desk. An official bank will be attached in the VoA counters. Payment can only be made in US dollar bank notes or Indonesian Rupiahs equivalent. Payment by Credit-Card is under discussion and to be determined. In the bigger airports, like Jakarta and Bali, several rows of VoA counters will be provided.

Those 62 countries and 1 region are as follow:

1. Argentina 2. Australia 3. Austria 4. Algeria 5. Bahrain 6. Belgium 7. Brazil 8. Bulgaria 9. Czech Republic 10. Cambodia 11. Canada 12. Cyprus 13. China 14. Denmark 15. Estonia 16. Egypt 17. Fiji 18. Finland 19. France 20. Germany 21. Greece 22. Hungary 23. India 24. Iceland 25. Iran 26. Ireland 27. Italy 28. Japan 29. Kuwait 30. Laos 31. Latvia 32. Libya 33. Lithuania 34. Liechtenstein 35. Luxemburg 36. Maldives 37. Malta 38. Mexico 39. Monaco 40. New Zealand 1. Netherlands 42. Norway 43. Oman 44. Panama 45. Poland 46. Portugal 47. Qatar 48. Romania 49. Russia 50. Saudi Arabia 51. Slovak Republic 52. Slovenia 53. Spain 54. South Africa 55. South Korea 56. Suriname 57. Sweden 58. Switzerland 59. Taiwan, PRC 60. Tunisia 61. United Arab Emirates 62. United Kingdom (British) 63. United States of America

Others nationals that not granted with either visa on arrival favor nor visa free favor from Indonesia government may apply for tourist visa at Indonesia embassy abroad.

The list of Immigration Check-points that are provided with facilities for Visa On Arrival issuance:

Airports:

1 Adi Juanda in Surabaya (East Java)
2 Adisutjipto in Yogyakarta (Central Java)
3 Adi Sumarmo in Solo (Central Java)
4 El Tari in Kupang (East Nusa Tenggara Province, Timor
5 Halim Perdanakusuma in Jakarta (Capital of Indonesia)
6 Hassanudin in Makasar (South Sulawesi)
7 Ngurah Rai in Denpasar (Island of Bali)
8 Polonia in Medan (North Sumatera)
9 Sam Ratulangi in Manado (North Sulawesi)
10 Selaparang in Mataram (Lombok Island)
11 Sepinggan in Balikpapan (East Kalimantan)
12 Soekarno Hatta in Jakarta (Capital of Indonesia)
13 Sultan Syarif Kasim II in Pekanbaru (Riau Province, Sumatera)
14 Tabing in Padang (West Sumatera) (Additonal Airport from new regulations)
15 Husein Sastranegara in Bandung (West Java)
16 Hang Nadim in Batam (Riau Province, Sumatra)
17 Ahmad Yani in Semarang (Central Java)

Seaports:

1 Bandar Bintan Telani Lagoi in Tanjung Uban, Bintan (Sumatera)
2 Bandar Seri Udana Lobam in Tanjung Uban (Sumatera)
3 Batu Ampar in Batam (Batam Island)
4 Belawan in Belawan (North Sumatera)
5 Benoa in Bali (Island of Bali)
6 Bitung in Bitung (Sulawesi)
7 Jayapura in Jayapura (Irian Jaya)
8 Marina Teluk Senimba (Batam Island)
9 Maumere in Flores (East Nusa Tenggara)
10 Nongsa in Batam (Batam Island)
11 Padang Bai in Bali (Island of Bali)
12 Pare-pare in Pare-pare (South Sulawesi)
13 Sekupang in Batam (Batam Island)
14 Sibolga in Sibolga (North Sumatra)
15 Soekarno-Hatta in Makassar (South Sulawesi)
16 Sri Bintan Pura in Tanjung Pinang (Riau)
17 Tanjung Balai Karimun (Sumatera)
18 Tanjung Mas in Semarang (Central Java)
19 Tanjung Priok in Jakarta (Capital of Indonesia)
20 Teluk Bayur in Padang (West Sumatra)
21 Batam Centre in Batam (Batam Island)
22 Tenau in Kupang (East Nusa Tenggara Province)
23 Yos Sudarso in Dumai (Riau Province, Sumatra)

Relevant Post:

Indonesia Visa

Indonesia Visa

2009-06-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

PASSPORT

Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all.

WHO REQUIRES A VISA TO VISIT INDONESIA?

Information on Visa Requirements (source: Embassy of Indonesia)

VISAS

Foreign citizens may apply for visas to enter Indonesia under the following categories:

General Visa Requirements :

1. Visa applications should be submitted to the Visa Officer after filling out the required form.

2. A visa application should be submitted along with the following :

- a valid passport (at least 6 (six) months after the date of entry);
- a round trip or through-ticket to country of destination;
- 2 (two) photographs, size 4 x 6 cm.
- payment of the visa fee.

Overstaying your Visa? - DON'T!

Overstaying a tourist visa (or any visa) is a serious offense in Indonesia. Fines, blacklisting, confinement and deportation are all possible penalties for infractions. Please take this seriously! If you inadvertently overstay your visa go immediately to an immigration office, once you realize it, and explain the circumstances. Delaying the report will only make the situation worse. There are only a few 'legitimate' reasons for overstay - the main one being inability to travel due a verified illness or injury. Also beware of the 30-day counting trap! Immigration officials count the 30-day period as: you arrive on the 1st day with a 30-day VoA, and you must leave on the 30th day (not the 31st day or the first of the next month etc.)

Indonesia Exotic

2009-06-22T02:47:00.000-07:00

Padi field with mountains as a background in Bali

Exotic, charming and wonderfully embracing, Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s top travel destinations. It has one of the world's greatest tourism destinations in Bali. With the capital city Jakarta, it is a very interesting country to visit.

With a population of over 234 million people, it makes Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous country and the most populous Muslim-majority nation. It is also known as the world's largest archipelago state. Comprising about 17,508 islands (including big and small islands). The main islands are Kalimantan (539,460 km2), Sumatera (425,606 km2), Papua (421,981 km2), Sulawesi (174,219 km2), and Java (129,187 km2). Indonesia shares its land borders with Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, and East Timor. Indonesia is also adjacent to Australia to the south, Singapore to the north-west, Philippines to the north-east, and the Indian territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Indonesia truly is an amazing place with so much to offer tourists. The regular and most popular destinations of Bali, Lombok, Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Batam, Padang, Medan etc are only small part of the country and there are so many more undiscovered charms to be found. Explore more about the unique of Indonesia multi-culture, give you some ideas of where to go and what to do. Wherever you go you can be assure that the people will welcome you with open arms, and sparkle smiles, and you may well quickly fall in love with many of the sights and diverse regions that Indonesia has to offer.

Art and culture resources belong to humanity as a whole and those of Indonesian are explicit expressions of life, born out of an extraordinary rich cultural heritage which have become a garden of Eden for social scientists and culture vultures; a veritable treasure chest of tradition waiting to be opened.

Dani tribe - Baliem - Papua, Indonesia

Every nation requires a heritage with which people continually interact cross culturally as well as cross generations, one which fuses past, present and future and Indonesia is home to tremendous and glorious legacies of the past, be they cultural or natural heritages. So, be the witness of your own.

Amazing Indonesia marine resource

People may say that there is only one world and it is getting smaller; but when comes to Indonesian marine resource, there seems to be a totally different world. Once under the waves a whole new world is waiting magnificent multi-colored sea gardens, enormous coral, and myriad techno-colored fish, wild dolphins and turtles to mention a few. So magnificent, that you definitely forget about time.

Our tropical forests bestowed on us by God, are the envy of many nations because of their abundant bio diversity. They have been waiting there for us to experience for ourselves, first hand, the miracles of Mother nature, previously only known to use through text books.

Bunga Bangkai (Rafflesia Arnoldi)

One of the legendary indigenous plants proudly displayed in botanical gardens around the world is the “Bunga Bangkai” (Rafflesia Arnoldi), display, reaching almost 1.5 meters in diameter, you can wonder at the spectacular spots on its giant petals. But the most amazing quality of the Bunga Bangkai is its nocturnal scent, said to resemble that of a corpse! That’s how it got its nick name. Incomparable and unique, only our beautiful tropical forests offer this breath-taking sight, it truly is a pride of our nation.

Foreign citizens may apply for visas to enter Indonesia. To get information on visa requirement, please read on Indonesia Visa.