Bali continues to welcome millions of international visitors every year, but Indonesian authorities are making it clear that openness comes with responsibilities. Foreign tourists and investors remain welcome on the island, yet compliance with Indonesia’s immigration laws remains non-negotiable. Between January and June 2026, the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration deported 342 foreign nationals after they were found to have violated the country’s immigration regulations.
The enforcement campaign involved every immigration unit operating across Bali. According to Felucia Sengky Ratna, Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, the coordinated effort included the Class I Special Immigration Office at Ngurah Rai International Airport, the Class I Immigration Office in Denpasar, the Class II Immigration Office in Singaraja, the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center, as well as the Class III Non-Border Immigration Offices in Tabanan and Klungkung.
Explaining the operation, Felucia said routine supervision remains a key part of the agency’s responsibilities.
“These administrative measures are part of the routine monitoring efforts conducted by all Immigration Offices across Bali.”
Her written statement, released on Sunday, July 5, 2026, explained that officers carried out field operations while continuously monitoring locations considered vulnerable to unlawful activities involving foreign nationals.
Data collected during the first half of 2026 shows that the majority of immigration offenses involved the misuse of residence permits and foreigners remaining in Indonesia beyond the expiration of their authorized stay.
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Authorities also expanded their inspections beyond immigration paperwork alone.
“In addition, our supervision also targets activities that disrupt public order, violate local customs, and involve participation in illegal economic activities.”
Felucia emphasized that Indonesia, especially Bali, continues to maintain an open policy toward international tourists and foreign investors. However, every foreign national entering the country is expected to fully comply with Indonesian law.
She stressed that authorities will continue taking firm action against those who fail to do so.
“Deportation and re-entry bans are imposed on foreign nationals who violate the regulations. These measures are part of our efforts to enforce the law and maintain public order.”
The success of the recent enforcement efforts was also attributed to stronger coordination among government agencies. According to Felucia, Immigration authorities enhanced supervision through independent field operations while working closely with the Foreign Nationals Supervision Team (Timpora).
That collaboration produced several major law enforcement successes during the first half of the year.
In March 2026, Immigration officers uncovered an illegal narcotics laboratory involving two Russian nationals. The operation was made possible through cooperation with Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise.
During the same month, officers also apprehended a British fugitive listed on Interpol’s Red Notice system at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Another significant case followed just a few months later.
“In addition, in June 2026, Immigration authorities prevented an Australian Interpol fugitive, who was wanted for criminal offenses in his home country, from leaving Indonesia through cooperation with the Narcotics Crime Directorate of the Indonesian National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).”
Beyond enforcement, Immigration authorities are also encouraging the public to play a more active role in helping monitor the activities of foreign nationals across Bali.
Felucia urged residents to use the official reporting channels available at their nearest Immigration Office whenever they encounter suspicious behavior involving foreign nationals.
“We encourage residents to make use of the official reporting channels available at their nearest Immigration Office. Please do not hesitate to report any suspicious activities involving foreign nationals that may violate the law or indicate potential legal offenses.”
