MERP expired - KITAP tarik advise please

[nardo]

Hi all,
Arrived back to Indonesia and was refused entry as my MERP has expired. The only way to get in and go home was for them to cancel my kitap and make me buy a VOA. I can not understand. Nor can the local Kantor imigrasi and they say they are powerless to assist and tell me it's my fault for not checking and after arguing the point that it's the 'system''. I actually did check and complained at both renewals but was fobbed off with some illogical and irrational excuses. I paid for the original MERP 2j than the renewal 2jj then a further 1j. Every renewal the dates of the expiry were different. This latest one year extension the date was 26/11 but my Kitap was valid to 30/12. I paid for 5 years but did not receive it.
The only way forward as far as they are concerned is to make a new kitas and start on the treadmill to kitap again.
Does anyone have any experience or advice on contacting a department in Jakarta, or possibly the Indonesian consulate in my country of origin to argue the point that if you pay for 5 years you should receive it. Or just take the long and winding path kitas to kitap again.. Opinions and or advise please?

 

[harryopal1]

Struggling your way through the bureaucracy can be difficult and depressing. In Australia I have often found that if I have a problem and write a letter directly to the CEO then, if it is looked at, it has resulted in a good response. If the CEO tells underlings to deal with it then it happens. I am not sure if this would be effective here in Indonesia but it would not hurt to write a letter to the Immigration Minister, Agus Andrianto Including copies of payment for your 5 year Kitap there is just a chance that it may get a result. Post by special delivery. Receving letters these days is not so common so it may just get through. Good luck. I am sure forum members would be most interested to hear how things go with you in trying to work this out.

 

[nardo]

Struggling your way through the bureaucracy can be difficult and depressing. In Australia I have often found that if I have a problem and write a letter directly to the CEO then, if it is looked at, it has resulted in a good response. If the CEO tells underlings to deal with it then it happens. I am not sure if this would be effective here in Indonesia but it would not hurt to write a letter to the Immigration Minister, Agus Andrianto Including copies of payment for your 5 year Kitap there is just a chance that it may get a result. Post by special delivery. Receving letters these days is not so common so it may just get through. Good luck. I am sure forum members would be most interested to hear how things go with you in trying to work this out.

Thanks Harry, I will try that. It is worth an attempt. But I' am worried that if I make waves it will make it more difficult to even start with a kitas again... But I guess if it is very humbly and respectfully worded it may help.

 

[marcus]

... The only way to get in and go home was for them to cancel my kitap and make me buy a VOA. I can not understand ... This latest (MERP) one year extension the date was 26/11 but my Kitap was valid to 30/12. I paid for 5 years but did not receive it ...

Unfortunately it seems they are interpreting the Regulation (see below) in the worst way possible . They consider the rule states that you can request a new 2 years MERP if you still have a KITAP valid for 2 years or more .

I interpret the Regulation in a more reasonable way . You should be still able to request a new 2 years MERP even having less than 1 month left in your KITAP (obviously you would pay for 2 years but get the MERP also expiring at 30/12) .

Other point you could argue is that , regardless when you got a new MERP , it should have started at the date the last MERP expired (if so you would have covered all the 5 years KITAP with the 2 x 2 years + 1 year MERPs that you already got) .

Note : At the Jakarta's Directorate General (Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav. X6, No. 8, Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan) contact the Direktorat Izin Tinggal Keimigrasian
emails : [email protected] , [email protected]


-----------------------------------

From https://www.expatindo.org/community/threads/re-entry-permits-new-rule.7945/

PerMen no.22 Year 2023 - free translation
Article 159
(1) Re-Entry Permits (IMK , MERP) ... are granted with the following provisions:
b. ITAP holders are granted a Re-Entry Permit valid for 2 years as long as it does not exceed the validity period of the ITAP; ...
(4) In the event that the Re-Entry Permit (for ITAP) ... has expired, it may be re-applied for with a validity period of 2 years and not exceeding the validity period of the ITAP.

---------------------

(original version for the discussion with Immigration/Consulate)
PerMen no.22 Tahun 2023
Pasal 159
(1) Izin Masuk Kembali sebagaimana diatur dalam Pasal 78 ayat (6) diberikan dengan ketentuan:
a. ...
b. pemegang Izin Tinggal Tetap diberikan Izin Masuk Kembali yang berlaku selama 2 (dua) tahun sepanjang tidak melebihi masa berlaku Izin Tinggal Tetap; dan ...
(3) Penerbitan Izin Masuk Kembali sebagaimana diatur pada ayat (1) huruf b dilaksanakan oleh Kantor Imigrasi setelah menyetujui permohonan Izin Tinggal Tetap
(4) Dalam hal Izin Masuk Kembali sebagaimana diatur pada ayat (3) telah habis masa berlaku dapat diajukan kembali dengan masa berlaku selama 2 (dua) tahun dan tidak melebihi masa berlaku Izin Tinggal Tetap.

 

[Nicho]

Hi all,
Arrived back to Indonesia and was refused entry as my MERP has expired. The only way to get in and go home was for them to cancel my kitap and make me buy a VOA. I can not understand. Nor can the local Kantor imigrasi and they say they are powerless to assist and tell me it's my fault for not checking and after arguing the point that it's the 'system''. I actually did check and complained at both renewals but was fobbed off with some illogical and irrational excuses. I paid for the original MERP 2j than the renewal 2jj then a further 1j. Every renewal the dates of the expiry were different. This latest one year extension the date was 26/11 but my Kitap was valid to 30/12. I paid for 5 years but did not receive it.
The only way forward as far as they are concerned is to make a new kitas and start on the treadmill to kitap again.
Does anyone have any experience or advice on contacting a department in Jakarta, or possibly the Indonesian consulate in my country of origin to argue the point that if you pay for 5 years you should receive it. Or just take the long and winding path kitas to kitap again.. Opinions and or advise please?

Went through similar problems when I changed from kitas to kitap . Both the new kitap and merp were different dates . The Kitap was for 5 years from the date my Kitas expired but the new 2 Year mep was dated from when I applied for the change , almost 2 months difference . So by the time I was notified to picked them up "almost 2 1/2 months after I applied " I had a 5 year Kitap but only had a merp valid for another 1 year 9 1/2 months . Due to apply for the unlimited Kitap /Merp next year , Just waiting to see what they stuff up then !! I also noticed on there new on-line application system we get no option but the unlimited Kitap/Merp . Yet the Director Generals Fee Schedule list the 5 and 10 year options . Emailed them regarding this but as usual got no reply ! Also couldn't register my wifes account as she hasn't got a birth certificate . her KK and KTP both show her birth details . I'll be fronting up at the office when it's time !

 

[nardo]

regardless when you got a new MERP , it should have started at the date the last MERP expired (if so you would have covered all the 5 years KITAP with the 2 x 2 years + 1 year MERPs that you already got) .

Thank you Marcus. Looks like you are handy with searching the immigration law. Yes the local Kantor argued that it was moths and every month is different ... I asked how many days in a year.. then they threw me out saying it's .your fault cause you didn't check.. so.,
I wondered if you could look at if there were any proper procedures to try to address the MERP dating and appeal the kitap cancellation ... Please. I'm pretty stressed about having to open a computer let alone start attempting to open the evisa site. It's never worked for me and we always have to go a 3 hour each way journey to the local office where they are reluctant to assist at best.

 

[nardo]

Went through similar problems when I changed from kitas to kitap . Both the new kitap and merp were different dates . The Kitap was for 5 years from the date my Kitas expired but the new 2 Year mep was dated from when I applied for the change , almost 2 months difference . So by the time I was notified to picked them up "almost 2 1/2 months after I applied " I had a 5 year Kitap but only had a merp valid for another 1 year 9 1/2 months . Due to apply for the unlimited Kitap /Merp next year , Just waiting to see what they stuff up then !! I also noticed on there new on-line application system we get no option but the unlimited Kitap/Merp . Yet the Director Generals Fee Schedule list the 5 and 10 year options . Emailed them regarding this but as usual got no reply ! Also couldn't register my wifes account as she hasn't got a birth certificate . her KK and KTP both show her birth details . I'll be fronting up at the office when it's time !

Yes I followed the Nicho kitas sinetron episode a few years ago., here on channel expat around covid time Bow I am glad that you have confirmed that this is their "system". It seems they all well know about it and that is technically breaking the contract you have with them when you buy 1 or 2 years of permit.

 

[marcus]

... I wondered if you could look at if there were any proper procedures to try to address the MERP dating

Specifically about the Re-Entry Permit/IMK/MERP , the Regulation does not mention this issue .

It seems that it is how Immigration now does , because recently I got a KITAP and it started before the expiry date of my previous KITAS .

and appeal the kitap cancellation ...

If you didn't get an "EPO/Exit Only Permit" yet , your KITAP is still valid . Be informed that even after your KITAP's expiry date (30/12) you need to follow the cancellation procedure , which is : the sponsor of your KITAP must request an EPO (otherwise you cannot request any Indonesian Visa) .

I'm pretty stressed about having to open a computer let alone start attempting to open the evisa site. It's never worked for me and we always have to go a 3 hour each way journey to the local office where they are reluctant to assist at best.

Be informed that the sponsor of your KITAP (and maybe you later , depending on which Indonesian Visa you choose) must do all online now , at the evisa.imigrasi.go.id website .

 

[nardo]

Specifically about the Re-Entry Permit/IMK/MERP , the Regulation does not mention this issue .

It seems that it is how Immigration now does , because recently I got a KITAP and it started before the expiry date of my previous KITAS .

If you didn't get an "EPO/Exit Only Permit" yet , your KITAP is still valid . Be informed that even after your KITAP's expiry date (30/12) you need to follow the cancellation procedure , which is : the sponsor of your KITAP must request an EPO (otherwise you cannot request any Indonesian Visa) .

Be informed that the sponsor of your KITAP (and maybe you later , depending on which Indonesian Visa you choose) must do all online now , at the evisa.imigrasi.go.id website .

must do all online now , at the evisa.imigrasi.go.id website .
Thank you Marcus.
As I was expecting and dreaded.

 

[pantaiema]

Struggling your way through the bureaucracy can be difficult and depressing. In Australia I have often found that if I have a problem and write a letter directly to the CEO then, if it is looked at, it has resulted in a good response. If the CEO tells underlings to deal with it then it happens. I am not sure if this would be effective here in Indonesia but it would not hurt to write a letter to the Immigration Minister, Agus Andrianto Including copies of payment for your 5 year Kitap there is just a chance that it may get a result. Post by special delivery. Receiving letters these days is not so common so it may just get through. Good luck. I am sure forum members would be most interested to hear how things go with you in trying to work this out.

In Australia or other countries might be, but in Indonesia I am yet to see evidence of this working. Keep in mind in Indonesia a civil servant job is literally a job for life.

What often work in Indonesia is to make the case going viral, get covered by the press and they get embarrassed. But for this to happen it is not easy.

 

[marcus]

must do all online now , at the evisa.imigrasi.go.id website .

As I was expecting and dreaded.

Any problem you get in dealing with the evisa.imigrasi.go.id , you can post here so people can help you .

There are already posts about doing online other processes , information that can help a little , even not being specific about your situation , because there are many points in common . For example :

ITAS to ITAP Sponsored by Indonesian Spouse , how I did it

1) Registered the Indonesian spouse's account & contacted my local Kantor Imigrasi to ask about the required documents + sample of : Surat Permohonan , Surat Integrasi , and Surat Pernyataan dan Jaminan (I did it through Whatsapp written messages) . 2) Login , and selected "SERVICES" (or "MY...

www.expatindo.org

Two Year E31A Spouse Visa (First time Application)

Hey Everyone 👋, it's been a while since I've posted but just wanted to ask fellow spouse holder's who have gone the the process So I'm looking to make my application as early as next year as I'm still working in the UK, happy with the whole application process, I'm just unsure of what to expect...

www.expatindo.org

 

[nardo]

In Australia or other countries might be, but in Indonesia I am yet to see evidence of this working. Keep in mind in Indonesia a civil servant job is literally a job for life.

What often work in Indonesia is to make the case going viral, get covered by the press and they get embarrassed. But for this to happen it is not easy.

Yes and usually if it does go viral the repercussions for the 'victim' are not as desired

 

[Helpful Herbert]

I would just take it as a lesson learned and start from a kitas again.
Maybe one reason they are switching to unlimited merp for everyone is to avoid situations like this happening anymore (a bit of a generous explanation, but possible)

 

[nardo]

I'm still smarting and thinking of asking an immigration law office or agent if there is any history of success in these cases... Thank you all for your opinions and advise.

 

[mas_dam]

The Kitap was for 5 years from the date my Kitas expired but the new 2 Year mep was dated from when I applied for the change , almost 2 months difference . So by the time I was notified to picked them up "almost 2 1/2 months after I applied " I had a 5 year Kitap but only had a merp valid for another 1 year 9 1/2 months .

Seems normal.

I had
5 Year KITAP - until December
2 years MERP - until November
2 years MERP - until November

I just chose the 2 year MERP extension instead of cheaping out with 1 year.
The expiry date got then aligned to the KITAP expiry date in December (effectively getting 1.1 years MERP validity) . A small investment/expense compared to any potential issues later.

It's called IMK / Ijin Masuk Kembali now when doing it online, and it was pretty easy to do it.
Explained here: https://www.expatindo.org/community/threads/imigrasi-on-line.8128/post-113090

 

[asih25]

Just found out (on sunday) that my husband's MERP (now IMK) has expired already one month ago and his flight was supposed to be on monday afternoon. So I rushed to the immigration that monday early morning at 8 AM, to start the renewal process, hoping to have the new MERP (now IMK) by 10 AM because his flight was at 13 PM. Actually imigration offers express service with extra fee but that's only for the application of Indonesian passport, not for MERP (now IMK) which should take 3 days. But I explained my urgent situation and begged them to help me. And yes they helped me, I just made the MERP renewal application by online over there, while also presenting the original documents during the process. I was alone, without any help of service agent and without paying any extra fee, finally could get that new MERP (now IMK) for my husband by 10.15 AM. The new system now is that you get the IMK sent to your account in evisa.imigrasi.go.id and they dont stamp it in your passport anymore. Amazing process, I can't thank enough to the Imigration officers there that's so helpful. Here I want to clarify that yes, you still can renew your MERP (now IMK) although it has expired, without any penalty, as long as your KITAS/KITAP is still valid. Always check the validity of your IMK (Izin Masuk Kembali - Exit Re-entry Permit) before travelling abroad except for those who has already unlimited IMK

 

[harryopal1]

Just found out (on sunday) that my husband's MERP (now IMK) has expired already one month ago and his flight was supposed to be on monday afternoon. So I rushed to the immigration that monday early morning at 8 AM, to start the renewal process, hoping to have the new MERP (now IMK) by 10 AM because his flight was at 13 PM. Actually imigration offers express service with extra fee but that's only for the application of Indonesian passport, not for MERP (now IMK) which should take 3 days. But I explained my urgent situation and begged them to help me. And yes they helped me, I just made the MERP renewal application by online over there, while also presenting the original documents during the process. I was alone, without any help of service agent and without paying any extra fee, finally could get that new MERP (now IMK) for my husband by 10.15 AM. The new system now is that you get the IMK sent to your account in evisa.imigrasi.go.id and they dont stamp it in your passport anymore. Amazing process, I can't thank enough to the Imigration officers there that's so helpful. Here I want to clarify that yes, you still can renew your MERP (now IMK) although it has expired, without any penalty, as long as your KITAS/KITAP is still valid. Always check the validity of your IMK (Izin Masuk Kembali - Exit Re-entry Permit) before travelling abroad except for those who has already unlimited IMK

Well done.

 

[Helpful Herbert]

Amazing!

 

[marcus]

Just found out (on sunday) that my husband's MERP (now IMK) has expired ... and his flight was supposed to be on monday afternoon. So I rushed to the immigration that monday early morning .. to start the renewal process, hoping to have the new MERP (now IMK) by 10 AM because his flight was at 13 PM ... And yes they helped me, I just made the MERP renewal application by online over there,... and without paying any extra fee, finally could get that new MERP (now IMK) for my husband by 10.15 AM ...

Thanks for showing us that there are very good Immigration officers over there , so we can always hope having similar officers at our local Kantor Imigrasi too .

But for other people in the same situation as you , I inform that it is not mandatory to have a valid IMK/Re-Entry Permit when going out of Indonesia as we can apply/get it when being abroad too .

----------------------

PerMen 22 Year 2023 - free translation
Article 159
(5) Application for the IMK/Re-Entry Permit ... may be submitted when the foreigner is outside Indonesia.
Article 160
(3) Issuance of a virtual IMK/Re-Entry Permit for ITAP is carried out within a maximum period of 3 working days after the payment is received.

 

[jstar]

I inform that it is not mandatory to have a valid IMK/Re-Entry Permit when going out of Indonesia as we can apply/get it when being abroad too

Speaking out of personal experience; Immigration will probably not make any issues of leaving the country without IMK. But many airlines do! So if you take a Qatar Airways return flight for instance, the chance is they will ask you for MERP/IMK and then you could be in trouble.