INDONESIA

Foreign researchers flouting visa rules face criminal charges
The House of Representatives in Indonesia on 16 July passed into law the national system of science and technology bill, which imposes criminal charges against foreign researchers found guilty of violating visa regulations, reports The Jakarta Post.The legislative body took the unanimous decision to pass the bill into law during a plenary meeting, despite mounting criticism from researchers who argue that the law may curtail academic freedom and hinder scientific development in the country.
Lawmaker and National Mandate Party politician Andi Yuliani Paris said the law stipulated criminal sanctions because it included two types of research, namely high-risk and dangerous research. “Researchers do not have to worry [as long as] they possess ethical clearance [from the Research, Technology and Higher Education Ministry],” Andi said.
Full report on The Jakarta Post site