Bali Proposes to End Visas for Russians and Ukrainians
Responding to reports of bad behavior and possible criminal activities allegedly committed by Russian and Ukrainian tourists, Bali Governor Wayan Koster has proposed to the Foreign Ministry and the Law and Human Rights Ministry an end to the visa-on-arrival facility for visitors from those two countries. “I have written a letter to the ministries requesting that the visa facility be revoked for Russians and Ukrainians,” Koster told a press briefing on Sunday. Koster said that he made the proposal after receiving reports and complaints about tourists from the two countries, which are currently engaged in a protracted war, abusing their tourist visas to find employment in the popular global tourist destination. “Why these particular two countries? Currently they are at war so they come to Bali not only as tourists but also to work,” Koster said in a press conference. During the press conference, Koster and the Bali Immigration Office also announced the deportation of 31 Russian and Ukrainian tourists. (Jakarta Post)
Reaffirming America’s Relationship
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink met on March 8 and 9 with senior officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment. During his meetings, Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership, including cooperation across a range of issues including economic, security, climate, and energy initiatives. (Embassy Website)