Closer Cooperation with Immigration Authorities

(9/27/2004)

The Indonesian-language Bali Post reports that the provincial office of the Department of Justice and Human Rights is involved in ongoing discussions with the Bali Tourism Board (BTB) to create a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organizations that, when signed, will acknowledge and facilitate the role of immigration services in Bali's tourism product.

The proposed MOU now under consideration will create a cooperative atmosphere and practical mechanisms between the tourism industry and immigration department for enhanced services to tourists, including procedures for handling complaints from the public regarding bad service.

A meeting held on Wednesday, September 22, 2004, between the Chief of the Bali Department of Justice and Human Rights Office, Gede Rata, and the Chairman of the BTB, Agus Antara, and attended by representatives of various tourism stakeholder organizations in Bali, discussed practical steps to achieve a common understanding on tourism issues between immigration and tourism.

Those attending the meeting praised Gede Rata for his commitment to improving service from his department and his desire to work together with the local tourism industry. Gede Rata also suggested monthly meetings between his department and local tourism leaders be held to handle any complaints emanating from the public or tourism operators.