Indonesia’s leaders seem to be kicking up a fuss over ongoing calls to boycott Bali, by withdrawing their planned free-visa policy for Australian travellers.
Free-visa entry was announced late last year and would see the US$25 visa-on-arrival fee dropped for Australian travellers. Read on
The country’s Maritime Affairs Coordinating Minister Indroyono Soesilo said the policy was designed to increase tourism from key markets.
However, as a result of deteriorating relations between the two countries, Australia has been left out of the free-visa policy, which is set to kick off as soon as next month.
Aussies left out of Indonesia’s free-visa policy. Image: SIHASAKPRACHUM/Shutterstock
Currently, visa-free entry is available for travellers from Hong Kong, Macau and other ASEAN destinations.
Tourism Minister Arif Yahya said this would be extended for inbound visitors from 30 countries, including several from Asia and Europe.
Australia was left off the list.
“People who want to travel to Indonesia won’t need to worry about a visa any more.”
Tourism Minister Arif Yahya
The exclusion comes after a number of Aussies took to social media last month, calling for a boycott on travel to the country in retaliation to the planned execution of two Australians.
Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran are among 10 convicts who have been transported to Nusakambangan island where they face execution by firing squad.
Mr Yahya said the decision to leave Australia off the free-visa policy wasn’t related to the planned executions, ABC News reported.
“I can guarantee that if the Australian Government wants [to agree to visa-free travel], that the foreign minister and president will almost definitely want it too.”
Tourism Minister Arif Yahya
Australians are Indonesia’s third largest international visitor market, with some 1.09 million in 2014. This was an increase of 17.06 percent on the previous year.
Bali captured 88 percent of total Australian visitation. Destinations beyond Bali are also seeing an increase in Australian numbers.
