tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5343649502077487842011-04-21T15:43:30.511-07:00Why is Indonesia trying to make it SO difficult to visit the country? What steps are they taking? What you think about it?Lkingnoreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534364950207748784.post-77274466417562139522008-07-28T20:22:00.000-07:002008-08-26T04:13:25.454-07:00I have a theory (a conspiracy theory really) based on my stay in Indonesia so far.<br />I have to write this up, as there’s some funny stuff going on here.<br /><br />Firstly, all the prices of tourist accommodation have doubled in the past 6 months.<br />Fuel and food prices could be a factor. But all the locals say the police (that collect the taxes) have doubled the tax only on tourist locations.<br />The tax now makes over half of the price of the room!<br /><br />Secondly; Surf board tax. What!! Indonesia is surfer’s Mecca. Its what Bali was built on. They know it. This is a strong message to surfers, and they are having second thoughts.<br /><br />Thirdly: Visas. Gone are the days obtaining three months visas without hassles!<br />You have to beg for a 30 day visa now. Immigration are so rude they make me believe they don’t want you to visit anymore. How can you see the world’s largest archipelago in 30 days??<br />If you intend to stay in the country over ൩ months and extend ൨൧൧ visas you will need a FINGERPRINT now !!! If you have a social visa through Bali Mode you WILL HAVE TO RETURN TO BALI !!<br />NEW: Extending tourist visas from Bali costs four times more than the rest of Indo. ($100 for 30 days!) As the Immigration officers there are taking a fat profit at the expense of tourists.<br /><br />Fourthly: Temporary importation tax. Indonesia is also famous for Sailing and the "Sail Indonesia" Rally in July. This year immigration will be charging each Yacht owner 50% of the original value of the boat on entry to Indonesia!<br />Chances of getting this back are slim.<br />Some people aren’t visiting anymore because they haven’t got that sort of money.<br /><br /><br />So why the effort to put tourists off visiting??<br /><br />Answer: Bali !<br /><br />I think the Bali bombings were a real political embarrassment for the government.<br />And I think it has put foreign investors and developers off.<br />Bali is not Java. Java holds power in Indonesia, Bali is not important for them.<br />Java can sacrifice the tourist industry (majority in Bali) for increased foreign investment.<br /><br />But, it sucks for tourists!<br /><br />Anyone know anymore.<br />Anyone disagree?<br /><br />Let me know. Post comment<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/534364950207748784-7727446641756213952?l=indonesia-gone-mad.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Lkingnoreply@blogger.com1