INDONESIA EXPRESSES DEEP CONCERN OF THE APPLICATION OF
US NATIONAL SECURITY ENTRY-EXIT SYSTEM TO ITS NATIONALS
IN UNITED STATES

1.     The Indonesian Government is deeply concerned by the United States Government's decision today which requires Indonesian nationals in the United States to register themselves. While fully respecting the sovereign rights of countries to manage and regulate their immigration policies, the Government of Indonesia is compelled to express its deep concern of the afore-said decision for its discriminatory nuance by targeting nationals of particular countries, including Indonesia. The policy, which seems to be arbitrary, is very difficult to comprehend and is therefore not acceptable for the Government of Indonesia.

2.     Moreover, it stands in contrast to the reality that like the United States, Indonesia has also been a victim of heinous acts of terror, and has taken concrete and positive measures in the concerted efforts by the international community to eradicate the threat of terror. In line with the spirit of reform, such measures are being carried out by Indonesia with full respect for fundamental civil rights and individual liberty, which cannot be arbitrarily waived even for security reasons.

3.     The Government of the United States of America includes all Indonesian nationals residing in the United States and temporary visitors from Indonesia among those who are required to be registered by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) under the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System. It is understood that under this system, males 16 and over from Indonesia who are present in the United States as non-immigrant are required to visit local INS offices, on any working day between 24 February 2003 and 28 March 2003, to be photographed and fingerprinted; provide detailed information about their background and the purpose of their visit; and verify periodically their location and activities. This requirement is not applicable to Indonesian women, Indonesians under 16 years of age, holders of green card and permanent residents, and Indonesians holding A and G visas.

4.     The above mentioned decision is a follow up measure to the United States' policy to ascertain the identity of those who enter and exit the country, which has been carried out gradually. Previously, nationals of the following countries are required to register are : Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria (latest registration 16 December 2002); Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Eritrea, Lebanon, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirate, and Yemen (latest registration 10 January 2003); Pakistan and Saudi Arabia (latest registration 21 February 2003).

5.     In protecting Indonesian nationals in the United States, the Government of Indonesia has always advised all Indonesian nationals in the United States to have the proper immigration documentation. This advice is now becoming more pertinent. Accordingly, the Indonesian Embassy in Washington D.C. has informed all the Indonesian nationals that they might consider leaving the United States, should they fail to complete their proper documentations prior to 24 February 2003. As it is regulated under the US law, those who have no proper immigration documentation may be apprehended by the US authority and may face a jail sentence, fine, or deportation.

6.     The Indonesian Government is determined to provide maximum protection for its citizens in the United States. While discussing with the Government of the United States to find the ways to facilitate the interests of Indonesian nationals, the Indonesian Government asks all Indonesian nationals in the United States to remain calm, to observe local regulations and to immediately report to the Indonesian Embassy or the nearest Indonesian consulates should they face any difficulties.

7.     While it closely monitors the implementation of the above-said policy by the US Government, the Indonesian Government temporarily advises all Indonesian citizens, in order to avoid any difficulty, to postpone unnecessary visit to the United States of America.

Jakarta, 17 January 2003