Kantor Imigrasi Sibolga, Bukittingi and Padang

All Kelas II offices can do extensions though the process may vary from one office to the next, and at some the officers tend to come up with various excuses to avoid dealing with it: it is too early, it is too late, you need a sponsor, etc
In general, extending a VOA should be easier than a visa in advance, with no sponsor required.
In my experience, offices in smaller towns off the tourist trail tend to be friendlier and may process extensions faster than busy offices in big cities, though of course there can be exceptions.

My girlfriend and I extended visas in Bukittinggi last year. We had visa-in-advance, rather than VOA though. For visa-in-advance we had to get a sponsor, and the sponsor had to physically go to the immigration office with us. Apart from that hassle, it was a relatively easy process. VOA extensions don't usually require a sponsor, but as I didn't have a VOA, I didn't enquire in Bukittinggi as to what exactly the process would have been.

I can't remember exactly how long our extension took; I think roughly 3 working days, which worked out being over a weekend. We headed out of Bukittinggi for a couple of days, and then went back to collect our passports. The lady at the immigration office gave me her personal mobile number, so I could call her and check when our extensions were ready. I'm not sure that I still have her number, but anyway, staff at the office there were helpful enough. If they insist on a sponsor though, your sponsor will likely have to turn up in person.

Laszlo and Giora, thanks for the info...I would have wagered you 2 guys would be the first to respond with something useful :).

Laszlo, handy to know all Kelas II offices have the ability to extend tourist visas...at their discretion (or whim) of course. Out of curiosity, what about Kelas III offices...what are their capacities in terms of tourist visa extensions?

Giora, thanks for relating your Bukittingi experience. It seems like obtaining an extension there would be a relatively hassle-free experience...mood-swings of officials permitting ;).

I don't know about Kelas III offices - ask one and let us know!

I don't know about Kelas III offices - ask one and let us know!

I will happily do so...particularly as this is perhaps the first time you have not known the answer to a question posed on TT!! ;-)...never thought I'd see the day :D. But in all seriousness, thanks for your replies.

When I read that the VOA extension takes 3 days, involves going to the kantor - which is likely not exactly where you would be if you needn't to extend the visa - and you have to go there at least 2 times, then I'm pretty sure it is much easier to get a 60 days visa before you actually leave your country. At least in Germany, where I applied for 60 days visa several times, it is a pretty straightforward thing, all done online and through letters - all you have to is fill in a form, include a proof that you have enough money for the trip, and send them your passport.

@wus -- every consulate that I have heard of recently asks for proof of onward travel (I have never been asked to show funds). Are you sure that you weren't asked?

Paul

Since you mentioned Pulau Banyak islands , note that they can be a bit time consuming to visit -

Travelling Around Pulau Banyak Thread

Oh yes I forgot - you do need "proof" of onward (or return) travel when you apply for the visa.