RANT: TERRIBLE experience renewing the Social Budaya

Let me share the annoyance and inconvenience I encountered. Hopefully this will prevent you from anything similar when you go renew your SosBud.

My Terrible Experience:  Bule Sponsor vs Local Sponsor

My husband Michael is my sponsor. Because he has a work KITAS from the company he works for, he is technically able to sponsor someone. So, as in my previous post, there were no problems obtaining the Sosyal Budaya from the Indonesian Consulate in Manila.

The problem now is here in Bali. As expected, there were loads of "Yes and Nos" where an immigration staff will say "It's okay" then another will say "Tidak Bisa" (can not) then mumble some nonsensical inadequacy about you or your papers. This is typical in Indo. Lots of grey areas in any documentation filing, especially in visa matters. 

In fact, I called the Immigration Office first and told them all they needed to know and clarify things:

a) if it was the correct office I should be extending my visa at

b) I am a foreigner and my sponsor is a foreigner

c) what requirements I need for filing the extension

d) how much, how long, etc...

All information were given and all were "okay" the staff said, and that I should simply go to the office and get the extension forms to begin.

So I did. The trip took almost 3 hours from Negara, where Mike works. Not counting the 30-40 minutes of travel from our house in Medewi.

Yes, it's a half-day affair.

Again, I asked the same questions and gave the same information to make sure I had everything correct. I was again told I'm good to file the papers and proceed with the extension once all the papers and documents have been submitted.

A few days later I do the long and exhausting trip back to the Immigration office with all the papers signed and photocopies of the required documents, expecting a quick transaction -- only to be told that I can't extend because my husband needs a KTP.

A KTP!! A piece of identification that is available ONLY FOR LOCALS! How is that even possible?? 

More so, why didn't they tell me this before then? Like the time I called and the time I went there personally?!

I was beyond livid. They proceed to say that I should get a local sponsor. 

Get a local sponsor. Said matter of factly. Said without any regard for my efforts, exhaustion, and wasted time.

Wouldn't this defeat the entire purpose of "foreign sponsor eligibility?" Why do the Consulates allow foreign sponsors in the first place?? 

Just effin ridiculous! 

Basically they want me to change into a local sponsor -- which strengthens my theory that the Immigration wants foreigners to use local agents to provide them questionable "legal jobs" and have foreigners PAY TRIPLE ($100+) instead of the actual affordable fee of $30!

Corruption and stupidity at its finest.

Would've been so over this place if not for my husband working here!!

Another conundrum presents itself: How can I simply change sponsors when on the visa telex on my passport, my husband's name is printed there as my sponsor?? 

So I ring up a friend at the Airport Immigration office to ask. He said the SIngaraja Kantor (Immigration Office) is probably inept in handling 'foreign matters' compared to the ByPass office.

Like DUH! But, considering the huge expat community in Lovina and Singaraja, they're still inept?? They're simply inept and dumb  -- in everything. Period.

He rings ups his friend who is an expert in immigration stuff then suggests this: I get a local to write a letter stating he/she is assuming all sponsor responsibilities from my husband, along with a copy of the KTP, and bank statement.

So, now I should go and bother one of my local friends to immediately do all this and disclose their bank details to me at the last minute?? Just effin great.

More so, when I asked if this is guaranteed to work, he said. "Not sure. Just coba."

*Coba= try

All this apart from the fact that if I pushed through with the renewal, I have to return 3 times for the processing. 3 effin times. A month. for the next 4 months.

Never mind. 

Awesome. Really awesome Indonesia. Immigration matters make life here so beautiful and easy. I have no intention of living here permanently, mind you. I am here for my husband so seriously, why don't you go sort out your system and stop inconveniencing everybody!

Update:

Got me a $100 return ticket to Singapore via KLM, a proper airline that served food and drinks with entertainment. CHEAPER than the shitty cramped budget Air Asia or Lion Air where I could smell the guy in front because of how small the plane is. Cheaper than doing this whole Immigration B.S. and paying bribes and grease money. 

Plus, I got a good holiday, ate amazing food, and hung out with friends. So, I need to get out of Bali every 2 months until i get my spousal kitas. Perfectly fine. That's as much a time I can tolerate this place anyway. =)

Note:  Apparently KLM, SLQ, and other major airlines have promos like this regularly. Just time your exit to that and have a great time!