The previous Indonesian presidency saw substantial improvements in simplifying the process and a cleaning up of engagement with the various departments involved in clearance. In particular Customs (Bea Cukai) implemented an online Vessel Declaration System (VDS). Customs remain a beacon of integrity but unfortunately a new regulation that requires the use of agents has led to an increase in cost and difficulties with other departments.
(https://vds.beacukai.go.id/YachtOnline/login.html)
As members will know countries that mandate the use of agents often have issues with irregular payments. Conversely countries with online formalities and cashless transactions for clearance are generally cheap fast and problem free. There are lobbying efforts afoot to introduce this in Indonesia but success is far from assured.
The focus of this memo is on yachtsmen travelling West either circumnavigating or coming in from Australia or New Zealand. An oddity of Indonesia is that regulations are applied differently in various ports. So what may apply to Benoa (Bali) may be different in Kupang or Batam. It is our view that yachts coming from the West should clear in through Kupang. Regrettably the process in Bali is non transparent full of “additional charges” and agents are prone to sizing you up with no fixed price and the intention of milking you for all they can.
In Kupang we use an agent and recommend him to our clients because he offers a fixed price and does not vary it. Rather than restate his pricing and procedures we attach his price list and procedures guidance. We do not claim you can not get a better deal else where but we feel comfortable that you will not be messed about by our pick.
In addition to yacht clearance Pak Matteo offers basic maintenance and refueling. His problem is not competence but the lack of spare parts in Kupang. He will also look after you boat at extra cost if you want to go touring. He is also able to assist with transport and accommodation for all budgets. What might also reassure you is that he actually can sail a boat and I have watched him do so.
Some of the departments may or may not allow you to avoid the use of an agent. If you have time on your hands speak Indonesian and are prepared to make multiple trips to the same office and negotiate for hours you might save 30% on what Matteo will charge you and then again you might pay double. In my view his fixed price and fast service is worth the potential 200 dollar saving on a round trip.
The final thing that should be said about Kupang is that it is not a particularly safe anchorage, The authorities wish you to anchor in front of the harbor master’s office at Nunbaun Sabu which can be very rough. This request completely ignores yacht safety and is purely for the convenience of officials.
A much more sensible alternative would be to anchor off Semau Island which is protected and has a 30-minute ferry service to Tenau Harbor across the strait to Kupang. Given that customer service is a novel concept for many Indonesia public servants we can only hope to congratulate Matteo if he succeeds in convincing the relevant people to carry out inspections in a safe place at the expense of some inconvenience to officials.
For things to get better in Indonesia it requires not just efforts by Indonesians but also foreign yacht owners need to take the time to report any unofficial charges or unprofessional conduct. Simply whining online achieves nothing. https://kws.kpk.go.id/ is where you report anything untoward.
Indonesia is a fabulously beautiful place to cruise and we can all play a part in making it easier to do so.