yeah, read about that last night. as i'm now officially an "old bugger" i will apply for the retirement kitas type visa i think. i seems the best one. from what i read it seems best/easiest to get a agent to do it for you?
When we first came to Indonesia it was to use as a holiday home and we used different Sosbud visas but, when eventually we sold-up in Canada and moved permanently, we used a retirement Kitas and now 5 year Kitap.
It is mandatory to use an agent to apply for the retirement visas as your sponsor. I can recommend my agent.
However, before you make that commitment, because the visa is relatively expensive for two people, I'd suggest you come on a Visa on Arrival and take time to appraise what your desire is....and work from there.
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is free for 30 days (day of arrival is day 1) or, if you need longer, there are 2 other methods.
1. Join the paid VOA line at the airport on arrival and pay US$35 (or equivalent in AUD) and, before the first 30 days expire, go to immigration and pay another US$35 (AUD) for 30 days extension....then leave.
2. Check the nearest Indonesian Consul to where you live and apply for a Visit visa for 60 days total. Once issued you must enter RI within 90 days otherwise it expires. In Bali, if you subsequently find a sponsor, this visa is often extended monthly up to 6 months for a fee...then leave.