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Indonesia Slugs Arriving Boaties

Feed started: October 14, 2007  -- Latest addition on November 15, 2007

 
Rumours abound about new exorbitant fees apparently being charged by the Indonesian Government on visiting yachts.  Latest to surface is that 6% of the vessel's value must be paid on entering the country but will be refunded on the boat's departure.  However, from what we hear, there is no mechanism in place for refunds as yet.  We are also unaware who will value the vessels.  Some reports say that boats in the Darwin-Kupang Rally were exempt this year but other reports say that rally boats will also be charged in 2008.  We have sent emails to some of our sources and will keep this site up to date with the latest as soon as we have some answers.  In the meantime, if you are intending visiting Indonesia please try do some research first.
 
Rosemary and John, Sokari
 
> > Selamat pagi, Haryo
> >
> > Because we have sailed through Indonesia a number of times, and organised
> > quite a few CAITs for other boats through you, many yachties are asking us
> > about rumours circulating in Australia about new fees being charged by the
> > Indonesian Government.
> >
> > We always recommend that boats do their CAITs through Bali International
> > Marina, and I guess that now Dick is no longer with you, you will be
> > handling them yourself? However, at the moment many boats are hesitant to
> > make plans at this stage for next year until they know more about these
> > charges. We are hearing an entry fee of 6% of the value of the vessel,
> > which is refundable on leaving the country. Would you please advise me
> > whether this rumour is true or not. Also, could you tell me who values
> > the boat.
> >
> > We were also hoping to return to Indonesia in 2008, spending some time as
> > usual in Bali and catching up with old friends there. However, having to
> > find the cash to pay such a high fee would be impossible for us and many
> > others.
> >
> > Hope to hear from you soon, Haryo. Our very best wishes to yourself, Made
> > and the rest of the staff.
> >
> > Kindest regards
> > Rosemary and John Jilderts
> > Catamaran "Sokari"


 



> Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2007 11:37:36 +0700
> Subject: Re: New Government charges?
> From: info@balimarina.com
> To: sokari52@hotmail.com
>
> Dear Rosemary and John,
>
> Thank you for your email and recommendation to other yachts using our
> services.
>
> The Indonesian Custom has imposed the bond regulation so sudden and create
> many confusion to other yachts including us. We have try to do many
> things, lobby and sending letter to all important key person regarding
> this regulation and unfortunately, the regulation will hurt marine tourism
> and our business.
>
> The custom office in some ports such as Kupang and Sorong have started
> imposing the regulation, but some ports (Bali and Maumere) has not. There
> are many things about regulation and procedures are not clear.
>
> We have talked to the Custom office here in Benoa and we still are trying
> to come up with a solution. Bali Marina can be the sponsor for foreign
> yacht which enter Bali. Since Bali marina will take big responsibility and
> high risk by becoming sponsor, Bali Marina can only allow yacht to
> check-in and check-out of Benoa harbour for Indonesia so yachts owner do
> not have to pay bond or temporary import tax.
>
> Hopefully we will hear better solution from the Indonesian government soon.
>
> Cheers,
> Haryo
>
> > Selamat pagi, Haryo

 

> > Selamat pagi, Haryo
> >
> > I hope you don't mind me writing again to check whether you have any new
> > information on the bond charges your government is imposing. I , and the
> > readers of the magazine that I write for, would appreciate any news you
> > may have on this subject.
> >
> > Wishing you and all the staff our very best wishes. Have a nice day,
> > Haryo.
> >
> > Kind regards
> > Rosemary & John,
> > Catamaran "Sokari"
 

 

> Date: Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:13:48 +0700
> Subject: Re: New Government Bond
> From: info@balimarina.com
> To: sokari52@hotmail.com
>
> Dear Rosemary and John,
>
> Until this minute we still trying to lobby the Custom and we may have a
> new hope, there is a new head of Custom which we hope he may have
> different point of view regarding "bond regulation". I will keep you
> update.
>
> Cheers,
> Haryo

 

12th December 2007

The latest news from Indonesia is that the situation is becoming even more confusing. It appears that officials in Kupang know about it but don't have the correct forms or procedures to implement it. Raffles Marina in Singapore is actively working on a resolution as it will ruin the established practice of yachts leaving Singapore to cruise nearby areas of Indonesia. The Indonesian Ambassador to Australia is now aware of the situation and is also now working to have this regulation clarified/reversed. Some progress is expected in the next few months.