Indonesia to offer Visa-on-Arrival to Eleven more Nationalities

In its endeavors to overcome the negative impacts caused to the perception of Indonesia as a desirable destination for international visitors during the last few months, the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism has managed to obtain the approval from the Government for eleven more countries to receive the facility of visa-on-arrival (VOA).

"The policy is aimed at attracting foreign tourists to visit Indonesia. We have set a target of bringing in more than six million foreign tourists this year," Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik said on the 14 June, after a meeting at the office of the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs.

The Government has decided to allow the nationals of 11 countries in Asia, Europe and the Middle East to obtain a visa-on-arrival (VOA) in an effort to attract more tourists to the country. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Egypt, Austria, Ireland, Qatar and Luxembourg are the additional countries granted the VOA facility. The Government is also in the process of granting a visa-on-arrival facility to the Netherlands and Sweden. The countries which nationals have enjoyed this facility since 1 February 2004 are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan (Pr. of China), United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States of America.

This decision brings the number of foreign countries to have been granted this facility up to 32. The visa-on-arrival will now be valid for either six or 30 days. A six-day visa will cost US$10 while a 30-day visa will cost US$ 25.00.

The visa-on-arrival will only take effect after the Minister's Decree for Law and Human Rights has been issued.

(Courtesy of: asiatraveltips.com)

SHORT VISIT TOURISTS VISA ISSUED ON ARRIVAL (REVISION)
(As from 5th July 2007)

In conjunction with the revision of the visa policy, the Indonesian Minister of Justice and Human Rights has issued and signed a revise decree no. M.02-IZ.01/2007, on 28th May 2007, effective from 5th July 2007, stating that Nationals of the following countries can now apply for their Transit (7 days maximum stay) and/or Tourist visa upon arrival at the following Airports/Seaports in Indonesia for a maximum visit of 30 days:

1. Algeria

2. Argentine

3. Australia

4. Austria

5. Bahrain

6. Belgium

7. Brazil

8. Bulgaria

9. Cambodia

10. Canada

11. China

12. Cyprus

13. Czech

14. Denmark

15. Egypt

16. Estonia

17. Fiji

18. Finland

19. France

20. Germany

21. Greece

22. Hungary

23. Iceland

24. India

25. Iran

26. Ireland

27. Italy

28. Japan

29. Kuwait

30. Laos

31. Latvia

32. Libya

33. Liechtenstein

34. Lithuania

35. Luxembourg

36. Maldives

37. Malta

38. Mexico

39. Monaco

40. Netherland

41. New Zealand

42. Norway

43. Oman

44. Panama

45. Poland

46. Portugal

47. Qatar

48. Romania

49. Russia

50. Saudi Arabia

51. Slovakia

52. Slovenia

53. South Africa

54. South Korea

55. Spain

56. Surinam

57. Sweden

58. Switzerland

59. Taiwan Territory

60. Tunisia

61. United Arab Emirates

62. United Kingdom

63. USA

Please be advised that Visa On Arrival may only be extended upon approval from the Director General of Immigration of the Republic of Indonesia in case of natural disaster, illness or accident, but cannot be transferred to another type of visa. Overstay visitors incur to pay a penalty of US$20.- per day/person (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).

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR VISA ON ARRIVAL (VOA)

1. Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months as from the date of entry into Indonesia.

2. Onward or return tickets are compulsory

3. No compulsory vaccinations

4. Visitors must enter through the following airports and seaports in Indonesia.

There are 14 (fourteen) Airport and 23 (twenty three) Seaport across Indonesia that has the VOA facilities:

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)

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. 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)

Please note that these regulations do not apply for foreigners/expatriates (including members of their family) who are assigned/based in Indonesia.

Visa is required and should be applied for before hand.

Those whose countries ARE NOT included in the above list or wish to stay longer than 30 days in Indonesia, should apply for their visa in advance, at the Indonesian Embassy.

(Courtesy of: asiatraveltips.com)

FHT Bali 2008 - Food, Hotel & Tourism in Bali

6th International Exhibition for Food & Beverage Industry Comes to Bali February 28 – March 1, 2008.

Food & beverage suppliers of raw materials and equipment will gather in Bali February 28 – March 1, 2008 at the FHT Bali 2008 – Food, Hotel & Tourism Bali.

Organizers are promising a 40% increase in participants at this year, making the Bali gathering one of the largest trade gatherings of its type in Indonesia.

Those visiting the many booths at FHT Bali 2008 at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) will:

• Have the opportunity to sample new food and drink products from around the world.

• See the latest in kitchen, hotel and restaurant equipment and technology.

• See top rated international chefs demonstrate their skills.

Bocuse d'Or Cooking Competition

The Indonesian segment of the Bocuse d'Or Asia 2008 culinary competition will be held at the Salon Culinaire 2008 in conjunction with FHT Bali 2008.

During the competition, teams consisting of two professional chefs representing a hotel or restaurant and one official coach will compete. Each team must prepare and present within the allotted time of 180 minutes, one fish main course dish for 14 persons, Western style. The dishes must be presented on 14 individual plates with two appropriate garnishes each. Working in kitchen booths facing the audience, they will endeavor to achieve excellence for their fish dishes as well as the garnishes.

The winner of the Indonesian Bocuse d'Or selected in Bali will go on to represent Indonesia at the first edition of Bocuse d'Or Asia 2008, which will be held at Gourmet World Shanghai in Pudong China May 29-31, 2008. The finals of the international competition will showcase gourmet artisans from 12 nations.

The Indonesian Bocuse d'Or held in Bali is organized by Bali Culinary Professionals - an organization comprised of professional from hotels and restaurants across the Island, food and beverage managers, owners and suppliers to the hospitality industry. The goal of the organization is to create, maintain and improve professional standards of culinary professional through the acquisition of new skills and promoting Balinese cuisine internationally.

FHT Bali 2008 – Food, Hotel & Tourism Bali

Salon Culinaire 2008 - Bocuse d'Or Cooking Competition

February 28 – March 1, 2008

Bali International Convention Center, Nusa Dua, Bali.
 

(Source: Bali Discovery Tours)

A Closer Look at 2007 Arrivals to Bali

Bali by the Numbers: A Look at Bali Arrivals 2000-2007 from Key European Markets and the U.S.A..

As reported on Balidiscovery.com [See: Bali's Year for the Record Books] foreign tourist arrivals to Bali in 2007 ended in record territory at 1.67 million – a +32.1% increase over the previous year.

This installment of Bali by the Numbers continues to examine major inbound markets to Bali, tracking movement for the years 2000-2007 from major European source markets and the U.S.A..

In the graphic presentations shown on balidiscovery.com, the strong negative impact of the October terrorist bombings of 2002 and 2005 are evident.

The markets at a glance:

• The Netherlands ended 2007 with 52,870 visitors - an improvement of +29.5 over 2006 (40,833). Tourist visitors from The Netherlands are now performing at unprecedented levels.

• France is also performing in record territory, bringing 61,805 visitors to Bali in 2007 – an improvement of +21.5% over 2006 (50,858).

• Germany improved its arrival totals to Bali by +8.9% in 2007, totaling 68,135 visitors. While German arrivals continue to grow, they still lag -18.9% behind the record levels achieved in 2001 (84,028).

• United Kingdom - turned in strong growth in 2007, improving +12.9% with 70,841 visitors. This encouraging rate of improvement does not, however, compensate for the shortfall of -39.09% in visitors as compared to 2001 when 116,323 U.K. visitors came to Bali.

• U.S.A. similarly, while visitors from the U.S.A. improved +19.% in 2007 (56,208), these totals still pale next to the 79,462 Americans who came to Bali in 2000.

• Russia has become the fastest growing market for Bali, improving +56.17% in 2007, earning 36,933 visitors to the Island. World political developments, visa on arrival facilities and an increasing number of single-airline connections from Moscow to Bali have taken Russia from its "near-zero" arrivals in 2000 to its current stellar performance.

• Spain improved +16.03% in 2007 with 15,020 arrivals. 2007 is a "near par" with the record for Spanish arrivals set in 2002 (17,638).

• Switzerland - decline by half-a-percent in 2007 coming in at 16,213. These totals still trailed by -18.8% Swiss arrivals to Bali in 2000 (19,962).

(Source: Bali Discovery Tours)

Is Bali Tourism Unfriendly to Local Culture?

Bali Tourism Think Tank Chairman Complains that Island is Losing its Cultural Connection.

The Chairman of Bali's Chapter of the Indonesian Tourism Think Tank (MPI), I Wayan Budarmaja, recently told the Bali Post that the Island is becoming increasingly unfriendly to the Island's endemic culture.

Budarmaja complained, "there is a tendency as though the design of tourism is only concerned with serving the desire of tourist visitors, with no orientation to the needs of the people of Bali and their culture."

In his capacity as MPI Chairman, Budarmaja is calling for incentives to be given to the people of Bali to preserve their land, culture and religion in order that these elements can form a sustainable contribution to the Island's tourism. At the same time, he has called on tourism stakeholders from government, the private sector and the general public to find common synergies to preserve the cultural foundation of Bali's tourism sector.

The MPI Chairman told the Bali Post that the Balinese people have little say in the planning, development, supervision and evaluation of local tourism. He complained that the Balinese have become mere tourism objects and passive observers in the tourism industry when, ideally, they should be the central "subject" of tourism and active participants in the tourism process.

Budarmaja concluded by saying Balinese tourism has lost its cultural context. Tourism, he contends, is now only measured in terms of its business value with little regard for investing in the preservation and development of Bali's culture.

(Source: Bali Discovery Tours)

Counting Backwards in Bali to October 2008

Asian Games 2008 Countdown Clock Now "Ticking" in Denpasar.

The counts begun. To mark the time remaining before the start of the Asian Beach Games set to be held in Bali October 18-26, 2008 a giant countdown clock has been erected at Bali's Lumintang Field on Jalan Gatot Subroto in Denpasar at the site of the former Badung Government Administration Office.

Built at a cost of Rp. 800 million (approximately US$87,000), the clock marks the spot where the opening ceremony for the opening ceremony next April for Bali's first Olympic-sanctioned sporting event.

Expected to draw over 10,000 people to Bali including athletes from 45 countries, the event will focus on beach-side competitions ranging from beach soccer, volleyball and surfing.

(Source: Bali Discovery Tours)

Special State Budget Allocations Promised for Bali in 2008

Local Press Reports Claim Bali Will Receive Special Funding for Reinvestment and Development of Bali Tourism.

BisnisBali reports that Bali will benefit from special allocations for tourism from the State budget in 2008 following a prolonged struggle to secure such financial support from lawmakers in Jakarta.

Speaking on the decision to dedicate State funds to Bali's tourism sector, Bagus Sudibya, the Coordinating Chairman for the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agents (ASITA) in Bali, said that such funding is both appropriate and long-overdue given the major contribution made by Bali tourism to the Country's foreign exchange earnings. According to Sudibya, the 1.7 million foreign tourists coming to Bali create between US$2.5 – 3 billion in much-needed foreign exchange or nearly 50% of all foreign exchange generated by tourism nationwide.

Sudibya explained: "Tourism needs reinvestment. If the Center (Jakarta) wants a larger foreign exchange contributions from Bali's tourism industry, it is only fair that Bali receives special funding such as the special allocation for tourism from the State budget."

Adamant that neither the economy nor tourism can grow without reinvestment; Sudibya said tourism development demands security, infrastructure, maintenance of tourism objects, the upgrading of human resources and branding socialization. The senior member of Bali's tourism community said urgent attention must also be given to addressing transportation problems in Bali.

While no specific amount has been mentioned in the promised special allocation for tourism in 2008, Sudibya reminded the press of the still-unfulfilled promise of Vice President Jusuf Kalla to allocate an additional US$ 7 million for Bali in 2007.

If the promised funds are eventually allocated to Bali, Sudibya called for an independent team be appointed to transparently administer the funds for the sake and welfare of Bali.

(Source: Bali Discovery Tours)

Counting Backwards in Bali to October 2008

Asian Games 2008 Countdown Clock Now "Ticking" in Denpasar.

The counts begun. To mark the time remaining before the start of the Asian Beach Games set to be held in Bali October 18-26, 2008 a giant countdown clock has been erected at Bali's Lumintang Field on Jalan Gatot Subroto in Denpasar at the site of the former Badung Government Administration Office.

Built at a cost of Rp. 800 million (approximately US$87,000), the clock marks the spot where the opening ceremony for the opening ceremony next April for Bali's first Olympic-sanctioned sporting event.

Expected to draw over 10,000 people to Bali including athletes from 45 countries, the event will focus on beach-side competitions ranging from beach soccer, volleyball and surfing.

(Source: Bali Discovery Tours)

Balinese People send message to the world...

Dear Visitors and Friends,

This is a message from Parum Samigita which is the ‘Think Tank’ for the Banjars (Village Councils) of the Kuta, Legian and Seminyak areas of Bali.

It comes from the heart of the Balinese people at ground zero in Kuta. It is a message of love and brotherhood and expresses the message which they wish to send to the world.

Please forward it to anyone you think would appreciate reading it.

Parum Samigita has been coordinating relief efforts for the Balinese and migrant Indonesian families who have been dispossessed by the bombing. Please mail Viebeke for more details.

Now We Move Forward!

Sekarang Kita Maju!

We Balinese have an essential concept of balance. It’s the Tri Hita Karana; a concept of harmonious balance. The balance between God and humanity; Humanity with itself and Humanity with the environment. This places us all in a universe of common understanding.

Kami di Bali mempunyai konsep penting mengenai keseimbangan,yaitu Tri Hita Karana, konsep keseimbangan yang selaras.  Keseimbangan antara Tuhan dan umat manusia; umat manusia dengan sesama umat manusia, dan umat manusiaan dengan lingkungan.  Ini meletakkan kita semua dalam alam pengertian  yang universil.

It is not only nuclear bombs which have fallout. It is our job to minimize this fallout for our people and our guests from around the world.  Who did this? It’s not such an important question for us to discuss. Why this happened – maybe this is more worthy of thought. What can we do to create beauty from this tragedy and come to an understanding where nobody feels the need to make such a statement again? This is important. This is the basis from which we can embrace everyone as a brother; everyone as a sister.

Bukan hanya bom nuklir yang dapat berjatuhan. Adalah tugas kita untuk meminimalisir kejatuhan ini bagi rakyat kita dan bagi tamu-tamu kita dari mancanegara.  Siapa yang melakukannya?  Pertanyaan ini tidak terlalu penting untuk kita bicarakan.  Kenapa ini terjadi – mungkin ini lebih pantas dipikirkan.  Apa yang dapat kita lakukan untuk menciptakan keindahan dari tragedi ini,  agar dapat mengerti bahwa tidak ada seorang pun merasa perlu untuk membuat pernyataan seperti itu lagi?  Ini penting.  Ini adalah dasar di mana kita dapat saling merangkul sebagai saudara!

It is a period of uncertainty. It is a period of change. It is also an opportunity for us to move together into a better future. A future where we embrace all of humanity in the knowledge that we all look and smell the same when we are burnt. Victims of this tragedy are from all over the world.

Ini adalah masa ketidakpastian. Ini adalah masa perubahan. Ini juga merupakan kesempatan bagi kita untuk bergerak bersama untuk menyambut masa depan yang lebih baik. Masa depan di mana kita merangkul umat manusia dalam pengetahuan bahwa kita semua tampak dan mempunyai bau serupa dalam keadaan terbakar. Korban tragedi ini berasal dari seluruh dunia.

The past is not significant. It is the future which is important. This is the time to bring our values, our empathy, to society and the world at large. To care. To Love.

Masa lalu tidak penting.  Masa depanlah yang penting!  Ini adalah saat untuk memperlihatkan nilai-nilai dan empati kita kepada masyarakat dan seluruh dunia.  Untuk peduli, untuk mencintai.

The modern world brings to many of us the ability to rise above the core need for survival. Most people in the developed world no longer need to struggle to simply stay alive.  It is our duty to strive to improve our quality of life.

Banyak dari kita telah mampu menggunakan kehidupan modern untuk berkembang melebihi kebutuhan untuk sekadar bertahan hidup.  Kebanyakan orang di dunia yang telah berkembang tidak lagi perlu berjuang untuk sekadar hidup.  Tugas kita adalah untuk berusaha memperbaiki kualitas hidup kita!

We want to return to our lives. Please help us realize this wish.

Kami ingin kembali ke kehidupan kami! Bantulah kami untuk mencapai keinginan kami ini.

Why seek retribution from people who are acting as they see fit? These people are misguided from our point of view. Obviously, from theirs, they feel justified and angry enough to make such a brutal statement.

Kenapa cari ganti rugi dari orang-orang yang bertindak semaunya? Menurut pandangan kami, orang-orang ini telah sesat!  Tentu, dari sudut pandang mereka, mereka merasa mempunyai hak dan rasa amarah yang cukup untuk membuat pernyataan  yang sedemikian brutalnya.

We would like to send a message to the world - Embrace this misunderstanding between our brothers and lets seek a peaceful answer to the problems which bring us to such tragedy.

Kami ingin menyampaikan pesan kepada dunia – rangkullah kesalahpahaman  antara saudara-saudara kami, dan mari kita cari jawaban damai untuk masalah-masalah yang telah mengakibatkan tragedi.

We embrace all the beliefs, hopes and dreams of all the people in the world with Love.

Kami merangkul semua kepercayaan, harapan dan mimpi dari orang-orang di seluruh dunia dengan rasa cinta.

Do not bring malice to our world.  What has happened has happened. Stop talking about the theories of who did this and why. It does not serve the spirit of our people.  Words of hate will not rebuild our shops and houses. They will not heal damaged skin. They will not bring back our dead.

Janganlah membawa dendam ke dalam dunia kami!  Yang terjadi biarlah terjadi.  Berhentilah berteori mengenai siapa yang melakukannya dan mengapa dilakukannya.  Hal itu tidak akan bermanfaat bagi jiwa kami.  Kata-kata kebencian tidak akan membangun kembali toko dan rumah-rumah kami.  Kata-kata kebencian tidak akan menyembuhkan kulit yang telah rusak.  Kata-kata kebencian tidak akan mengembalikan mereka yang telah meninggal.

Help us to create beauty out of this tragedy.

Bantulah kami menciptakan keindahan dari tragedi ini.

Our community is bruised and hurting. Our spirit can never be broken.

Komunitas kita memar dan sedang sakit; namun jiwa kami tidak akan pernah rusak.

Everybody in the world is of one principle brotherhood.

Setiap orang di dunia berprinsip satu: persaudaraan.

Paras Paros Sarpanaye Sabayantaka

Tat Wam Asi – You are me and I am you.

Anda adalah saya dan saya adalah anda.

We have a concept in Bali, Ruwa Bhineda, a balance between good and bad.  Without bad there can be no good. The Bad is the ‘sibling’ of the Good.  Embrace this concept and we can move forward into a better world.

Kami mempunyai konsep di Bali: Ruwa Bhineda, keseimbangan antara yang baik dan yang jahat.  Tanpa kejahatan tidak mungkin ada kebaikan.  Yang Jahat adalah saudara kandung yang Baik.  Rangkullah konsep ini dan kita akan maju menuju dunia yang lebih baik.

You love your husband and wife but sometimes you fight. Fear arises and shows its opposition to love. This is normal. This is a natural, essential part of life.

Anda mencintai pasangan anda, tapi kadang-kadang ada perselisihan faham.  Ketakutan timbul dan memperlihatkan pertentangan akan cinta.  Ini normal.  Ini alamiah, dan merupakan bagian penting dari kehidupan.

There is Sekala / Nisikala - the underworld forever in darkness merging with our world in the light.

Ada sekala/Nisikala – dunia penjahat  selamanya dalam kegelapan menyatu dengan dunia kita dalam terang.

These are the concepts by which we, as Balinese, live our lives. Please, we beg you, talk only of the good which can come of this. Talk of how we can reconcile our ‘apparent’ differences. Talk of how we can bring empathy and love into everybody’s lives.

Ini merupakan konsep yang merupakan gaya hidup kami orang Bali. Kami mohon, bicaralah hanya mengenai hal-hal yang baik, yang dapat timbul dari kejadian ini.  Bicaralah bagaimana kita dapat mendamaikan ketidaksesuaian kita yang nyata.  Bicaralah mengenai bagaimana kita dapat menimbulkan empati dan cinta dalam kehidupan setiap insan.

The overwhelming scenes of love and compassion at Sanglah Hospital show us the way forward into the future. If we hate our brothers and sisters we are lost in Kali Yuga.

Pemandangan cinta kasih yang meluap-luap di Rumah Sakit Sanglah menunjuk kami ke masa depan.  Bila kita membenci saudara-saudara kami, maka kami akan hilang di Kali Yuga.

If we can Love all of our brothers and sisters, we have already begun to move into Kertha Yuga. We have already won ‘The War Against Terrorism’.

Bila kita dapat mencintai saudara-saudara kita, kita telah mulai menuju ke Kertha Yuga.  Kita telah menang  “Perang melawan Terorisme”.

Thank you for all your compassion and love...

Terima kasih untuk kasih sayang yang telah anda berikan.

Asana Viebeke L, Kuta Desa Adat, Parum Samigita