Update...whewww : yesterday I learned that my change of sponsor request for my
ITAP was
approved!
However as I previously wrote in my posts #11 & #14 : due to divorce because my “unlimited/lifetime”
ITAP already was canceled but my request to change sponsor was approved, at this time I must still pay a new 5-year
ITAP fee of IDR 3,7 million
and a new 2-year MERP (exit-entry permit) fee of IDR 1,8 million. I was told that in 5 years if my friend still is the same sponsor, then at that time my
ITAP renewal will be for the “unlimited/lifetime”
ITAP. Ironically the same "negative tone" officer at the
DirJen office in Jakarta who I met on february 22nd was the same officer who yesterday informed me that my request was approved, but he would not inform me about which specific immigration regulation states that based on my situation I must pay
again the full fees for a ITAP & 2-year MERP. However, after receiving the approval to continue with permanent resident status in Indonesia and at this time not desiring to agitate his superiors at the
DirJen office, I decided to hold my tongue and not protest about the required new payment of fees. If it turns out that for
only the past 14 months I paid the amount of IDR 12 million for my previous short-term “unlimited/lifetime”
ITAP : I equate that payment as affording me the opportunity for all those months to be nearby by two young children – time enjoyed & cherished which is
priceless...