Indonesia: just returned, carnet problems
Hi,
Just returned from bike trip through Malaysia and Indonesia. Was informed by customs at Nunukan (Borneo) that Indonesia has not fully ratified the ATA carnet system. Just googled that and it is apparently true. This from the FedEx web site:
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ATA Carnets
The ATA Carnet ("ATA" stands for the French and English words "Admission temporaire / temporary admission) was created by international convention thirty years ago. It is an international customs document used worldwide to facilitate temporary importations into sixty (60) member countries. Indonesia does not currently participate in the ATA Carnet convention system, as such goods being imported for temporary import for tradeshows, exhibitions, etc must be processed as temporary imports and bank warranty posted. Prior arrangement with the consignee is recommended on shipments that are subject to this type processing to assure that the proper documents and approvals are in place prior to the arrival of the shipment.
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I highly recommend seeking a letter of invitation from an Indonesian motorcycling organisation (I did not have one, and this was a close call). I did obtain a letter of authoritity from the Indonesian Consulate in Malaysia before crossing the border - it stated that both myself and the bike were permitted to enter Indonesia. This helped a little with customs and a lot with local police.
Hope this is useful for somebody...
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