Jakarta, IO – Law and Human Rights Minister (Menkumham) Yasonna H Laoly stated that victims of past serious human rights violations living in exile abroad who wish to return to Indonesia do not need to pay to obtain a residence permit or visa.
This policy is stipulated in Menkumham Decree M.HH-05.GR.01.01/2023 on Immigration Services for Victims of Serious Human Rights Violations issued on August 11. The policy states that victims who have been verified can be repatriated or visit Indonesia more easily.
The victims were former sudents sent for by Soekarno administration to study overseas as well as parties who became political exiles as a result of the 1965 tragedy.
“No tariff will be imposed,” Yasonna said at the De Schakel Meetinghouse, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, per Kompas, Tuesday (29/8).
Yasonna explained that in order to get this service, they have to submit an application to the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) where they live. KBRI will then forward the request to the Indonesian government. The visa facility will be issued by Menkumham and appointed immigration official.
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Most of the former students who fled overseas and now live in the Netherlands no longer hold Indonesian citizenship. The meeting in Amsterdam was attended by around 50 exiles from the Netherlands, Moscow, Beijing and Bulgaria. Yasonna said they can regain their citizenship. “You can process it while you are in Indonesia,” he told them. (at)