Cruising Indonesia

New rules on Visas on Arrival

2010-06-09T03:27:00.000-07:00

Previously, visas on arrival were non-extendable. They were available for ONE MONTH, and then you needed to leave the country. As of 2010, visas on arrival are now renewable for one extra month, at a cost of $25 US, allowing you now 2 months in Indonesia.
If you are planning to stay longer, the Social Visa is your best option. This allows you 2 months on arrival, and is extendable monthly for up to 6 months.

Bond and Cruising Permits

2010-02-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

Currently, nothing seems to be progressing with the bond situation, and there is whispers that there may be a "tracking devise" system implemented, via the Tourism Board. Discussions are still being held in Jakarta, and in all truth, nothing will happen to change the usual formalities of cruising in Indonesia this year. It seems as if the BOND issue has been finally discussed by the powers to be in Jakarta, and this has bought on the discussions of a nationally recognized system. Hopefully, this will stop any Localised misuse of the bond. So, once again...do not pay this bond. Offer to take a photo(of the official or agent attempting to extort you) , or to call Jakarta Customs, and you should find they will quickly back down.
Indonesia truely is a fantastic place, but its politics are not black and white...so be prepared to blur the edges a little. Have fun.....

A WEE Note on BOND!!!

2009-05-30T02:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, as an active cruiser myself, I am also highly aware of, sensitive to, and confused by this BOND.
I have many questions, and people asking me for verification as to what this BOND means for US to sail in Indonesia. Many people also wish for exemption from this bond....but I cannot provide this, as it is actually customs which is enforcing this BOND.
On top of all that, it has been linguring in several ports for years, and seems to be twisted into meaning what ever the local Customs officials wish it to.
I will say that my contacts in Jakarta are attending meetings, and hoping for a positive result within the next two months, ie a flag of exemption to fly for those of us who already have our CAITS. It looks as though, this too, will incur a fee!!
Im with you...havnt we paid enough already?
Im sorry to inform you that BALI is now asking for a fee of further Sponsor to cover this bond (which is a law that is not even supposed to relate to cruising vessels!)

OFF the record........
*40 boats of mine have cleared into Indonesia this year WITH NO MENTION OF THE BOND. I had instructed boats to stay clear of KUPANG, and now unfortunately, advising not to clear in in BALI!!!
* We have sailed in Indonesia for the past 4 years, and have not been asked once for this bond.
* My contacts in Jakarta are doing all they can to clarify this bond, as am I, as Indonesia is such a beautiful country, and it is such a shame to see localised corruption affecting the experience of sailing there. Please, if you wish to send a letter to me, addressed to Customs Official, Indonesia, please do so, and I will continue to forward them on. My aim is not just to get clearance from this BOND, but to assist to abolish it!

WHAT IF YOU GET ASKED FOR THIS BOND: As far as I know, no one has paid for this Bond, and my advise is NOT to part with any money or passports. If the officials get a bit heavy, tell them you have PAID your CAIT, your VISA and you have been SPONSORED to be there by a LOCAL (if you have a Sponsor letter) You DO NOT want to IMPORT the boat, and your CAIT is PROOF of your ENTRY and EXIT to Indonesia. If they continue to make a problem, leave the port, and clear in at the next one.
Please let me know where you have both positive and negative experiences. My aim to to PRAIS the ports who make it easy so they will continue to do so, and therefore attract most of the custom.
So much for a wee note...but its hard to clarify something that isnt entirely clear.
Please have patience....it looks as though nothing is moving quickly.
Rachel

CURRENTLY CRUISING: contact to continue your CAIT whilst I am absent.

2009-05-30T02:31:00.000-07:00

Hi there, thank you for contacting me in reference to your Indonesian Cruising permit and Sponsor letters. As I too am an active cruiser in Indonesia, I am currently hesitant to process your CAIT this month. I will be in remote areas of Aceh and Western Sumatra, and will have limited internet access. I know how important your CAIT processing is and I would hate to delay your cruise any further by being out of contact.
I can refer you to my colleague, Lytha, who will be happy to assist you with all your needs in my absence. She can be contacted on cait@indo.net.id
Please feel free to email me, but my response this month may be delayed. I hope you have a fantastic journey in Indonesia, as we always do. Perhaps we will see you there.
Best Regards, and Safe Sailing,
Rachel Robertson
www.seaspraymarineservices.com

Please also look at my blog for information on CAITS and Embassies etc.
Cruisingindonesia.blogspot.com

You an indeed try to contact me but I am currently unable to physically process your CAIT. I will return in August.

Current Prices and Payment Options:

2009-02-10T15:33:00.000-08:00

Cruising Indonesia aims at providing you prompt Indonesian Cruising Permits at a very competitive price. Our officials in Jakarta have been providing this service for over 20 years.
Currently our prices are :
CAIT: 1,850,000 Indonesian Rupiah
Sponsor Letter: 350,000 Indonesian Rupiah for up to 4 people listed on your CAIT!! (minimal charge per person thereafter)

There are extra charges for your Original Cait to be posted to you, depending on where you wish it sent. See below for prices and details.
CAITS are emailed to you within 3 weeks, and your originals in 4 weeks.
Payment options are..........

Direct deposit into AUSTRALIAN bank account..(there will be an added charge for my extra transaction fees)
Western Union Direct Payment to Jakarta.
Direct Payment to me personally..currently in Langkawi, Malaysia.

Thank you, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Rachel Honey

Q:HOW SHALL WE SEND OUR FILES VIA EMAIL? A: JPEGS Please

2009-01-30T02:38:00.000-08:00

When you email to me your copies of passports for your Indonesian Cruising Permits, and your copies of boat registration, please send as a JPEG...ie, a downsized photo doc. These are easy for me to check, and forward to my officials in Jakarta. Also, please check that your passoprt is valid for 6 Months from the date of arrival into INdonesia, otherwise, you will not be let through customs!!!!
Cruising Permits for Indonesia are also capable of extension for 3 more months after your first CAIT.This is called a PROLONGATION. However, you will have to then take your vessel out of Indonesian waters so as to avoid the legalities of the "bond" or importing your boat.

Q: How and How Much does it cost to recieve my Original Copies? A:POSTAGE COSTS FOR CAITS AND SPONSOR LETTERS

2009-01-21T17:20:00.000-08:00

I have been informed of the following extra prices: These are for the original CAITS and Sponsorship letters to be posted to you. However, if your CAIT is sent to an agent in Indonesia, (see below agent details) there is a small charge of 100,000 Rupiah. Please be aware that you will need to be clearing in in these ports, and most likely, using the agent for clearence procedures. I am unsure of their personal fees for assistance. If you need their details to contact them, please let me know. If it is your first time in Indonesia, most people use an agent anyway for clearence, as it can sometimes be a confusing and "adventurous" experience!

Here is the cost to send mail by courier to:

- Darwin and Sydney: US$ 18.36 or about Rp 220.000,-
- Singapore : US$ 7,20 or about Rp 86.000,-
- Thailand : US$ 12.96 or about Rp 155.000,-
- Malaysia : US$ 12.96 or about Rp 155.000,-

If you do not want to have the cost of this courier service, we can have them sent to our agents in Indonesia or if you ask us to send to them, and you contact the courier services themselves, say DHL or FEDEX and pay the cost directly to this courier service where you are.

Agents are in teh following ports:

1. Sumatera : Pulau Weh : Mr. Sukiman

2. Bali : Wayan Sumartha Junior

3. Kupang : Mr. Napa Rahman

4. Makassar : Mr. Arifuddin

5. Batam : Mr. Dance Wongkaren

Q: How can I pay for my CAIT? A:Payment options

2009-01-20T04:07:00.000-08:00

Currently I am happy to offer 3 different payment options.

1: Direct payment into my Australian Bank Account: A fee will be charged for International Transfer from this account to the office in Jakarta.

2: Direct payment to the Jakarta office via Western Union. All fees are paid by yourselves.

3: Direct Personal Payment to me. I am currently based in Asia. Please contact me for further details.

Thank you

WHAT IS A CAIT???????????????

2009-01-20T03:58:00.000-08:00

WHAT IS A CAIT: A CAIT is a Cruising Permit for your vessel. If you travel through Indonesia on your boat, you must have a CAIT. A CAIT, or Cruising Permit, lasts for 3 months, and begins on the day YOU STATE, not your date of entry. Currently it costs 1,850,000 Rupiah. All passengers travelling on your boat need to be written on your CAIT.

WHAT IS A SPONSOR LETTER?: A Sponsor letter is supplied by your CAIT provider. This allows you to apply for a SOCIAL/CULTURAL visa, which lasts for 60 days from the date of clearence into Indonesia. You can then extend this visa within Indonesia. A visa on arrival only lasts 30 days, and cannot be renewed within Indonesia. You must leave the country. Both CAIT and Sponsor letter take 4 weeks for original and an emailed copy can be supplied in approx 3 weeks. This Sponsor letter is then needed to take to your nearest Indonesian Embassy to apply for a Visa. You cannot get a Social Visa without a Sponsor letter.

WE DO NOT SUPPLY VISAS> THIS MUST BE APPLIED FOR AT YOUR NEAREST EMBASSY OR CONSULATE>

Q: What is this BOND people are talking about? Q: What are the major clearence ports in INdonesia?

2009-01-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

Seaspray Marine Services: NOTE ON BOND 2009

During 2008, many boats in Kupang were impounded. To the best of our knowledge Kupang is/was the only Port requesting a BOND. We recommend avoiding Kupang as a clearance port until the situation becomes clearer. This is only our PERSONAL Recommendation. In 2007, we cleared there independently, with NO PROBLEM, whist the Rally did have several problems. It is solely your decision.
The Rally themselves are avoiding Kupang.
Unfortunately, there has been a recent bond request (FEB 2009) in Batam. The boat, of course, did not...and should not, pay the BOND. I am currently requesting clarification about teh BOND, as this is an issue of concern. After paying CAIT, Sponsor letters and visas, we should not have to pay this BOND. Please keep checking this site for updates, and also NOON SITE, as I will update there, in the INdonesian Section, as soon as I have any news.
In the past, the BOND was imposed after 6 months of cruising in Indonesia. A type of Import Tax. Unfortunately, some people are bending the rules!

Below is a list of Seaports in Indonesia.
Seaports1 Bandar Bintan Telani Lagoi in Tanjung Uban, Bintan (Sumatera)
2 Bandar Seri Udana Lobam in Tanjung Uban (Sumatera)
3 Batu Ampar in Batam (Batam Island)
4 Belawan in Belawan (North Sumatera)
5 Benoa in Bali (Island of Bali)
6 Bitung in Bitung (Sulawesi)
7 Jayapura in Jayapura (Irian Jaya)
8 Marina Teluk Senimba (Batam Island)
9 Maumere in Flores (East Nusa Tenggara)
10 Nongsa in Batam (Batam Island)
11 Padang Bai in Bali (Island of Bali)
12 Pare-pare in Pare-pare (South Sulawesi)
13 Sekupang in Batam (Batam Island)
14 Sibolga in Sibolga (North Sumatra)
15 Soekarno-Hatta in Makassar (South Sulawesi)
16 Sri Bintan Pura in Tanjung Pinang (Riau)
17 Tanjung Balai Karimun (Sumatera)
18 Tanjung Mas in Semarang (Central Java)
19 Tanjung Priok in Jakarta (Capital of Indonesia)
20 Teluk Bayur in Padang (West Sumatra)
21 Batam Centre in Batam (Batam Island)
22 Tenau in Kupang (East Nusa Tenggara Province)
23 Yos Sudarso in Dumai (Riau Province, Sumatra)

Sabang, in Pualau We, ACEH is also a clearance Port, as is Banda Aceh
For renewal of your visas, you can also include any International Airport.

It is best to list all major ports and islands you will visit along the way. This allows you clearance from any further fees or “HARBOR MASTER” costs. Along with your CAIT we can supply you with documentation in Indonesian and English, which you can show to any officials to allow you clearance from any further Harbor Master fees. Please note, some villages have mooring fees, and your CAIT does not exempt you from these!

Q: WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED FOR MY CAIT? How much does it cost?

2009-01-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

vicesSupplying up to date information on Sailing the
waters of Indonesia.
C.A.I.T supplier, and Sponsor letters for Social Visas.

Required document for C.A.I.T. (Indonesian Cruising Permits)
These allow you 3 months of cruising Indonesia. Unlike Visas, these CAITS begin on the nominated date on your CAIT...NOT ON THE DATE OF ARRIVAL!

· Photograps of you passport (ie your passport info page with you photograph on it) of all crew on your vessel : as JPEG please
· Last port of call before arrival into Indonesia
· Next port of call after departure from Indonesia
· Port within Indonesia you wish to clear in.
· Extra passport size photo of Captain.
· Please list ALL ports, islands, towns you wish to visit. If you even add those “possible” ports, please do.
· Your Port of departure in Indonesia.
· A CLEAR copy of your Boat Registration. As JPEG please
· Your date of Arrival...this is when your 3 months will begin.
· The name of the Indonesian Consulate you will be applying for your Social visa.

Please forward these to me within 4 weeks of the date you wish to apply for your visa. Emailed copies of Sponsor letter are OK for Visa application, however, an address for originals is also needed. It is possible to have originals sent to an agent in your clearance port of call, if that particular port has an agent.

Your Sponsor letter allows you a 2 month extendable Social visa. This is capable of being renewed within Indonesia. A 30 day visa on arrival is supplied without a Sponsor letter, and this is NOT renewable within Indonesia.
Please list ALL passengers and crew on your CAIT, even those “visitors” you may be picking up along the way. You can be fined if a CAIT does not list all your
passengers.

Current rates are 1,850,000 Rupiah for CAIT and 350,000 for Sponsor letter for up to 4 people. Extra passengers at a minimal cost per person. This payment is made directly via Western Union to Jakarta, or into an Australian bank account.

Thank you very Much…...please send documents to me when you are ready to begin the process.
Rachel Robertson
seaspray66@hotmail.com

Q: How can you help me get my PERMIT?

2009-01-02T18:03:00.000-08:00

Cruising Indonesia provides C.A.I.Ts and Sponsorship letters for your Indonesian Cruising Experience. A simple process at competitive prices. Your CAIT provides your vessel, and all aboard, with 3 months of cruising the waters of the Indonesian Archipelago. Your Sponsorship Letter provides you with the opportunity to apply for an Indonesian Social Visa, allowing you a two months visa, with the opportunity to extend your visa within Indonesia. Please email RACHEL on rachel@seaspraymarineservices.com . Thank You.

NEW SITE: much more information to come
Thank You