Indonesia continues to welcome international visitors, but entering the country also comes with clear immigration obligations. A recent case in Bali shows what can happen when a foreign national is suspected of using a visa beyond its permitted purpose.
An Australian national identified by the initials PJ, 55, was deported by the Singaraja Class II Immigration Office with Special Authority (TPI). Immigration authorities suspected that he had misused his visit stay permit visa while staying in Bali.
PJ was allegedly involved in more than tourism activities. Authorities suspected that he worked as a meditation instructor and organized a yoga retreat in Buleleng Regency.
The immigration office also proposed that PJ be placed on the immigration blacklist. If approved, the measure would prevent him from returning to Indonesia for a certain period.
According to Head of the Singaraja Class II Immigration Office with Special Authority Anak Agung Gde Kusuma Putra, PJ was allegedly involved in an event called “7 Day Inner Growth.” He was suspected of serving as a meditation instructor during the program.
He was also allegedly involved in organizing a yoga retreat at Villa Boreh in Tejakula District, Buleleng. The retreat took place from July 27 to August 2, 2026.
The investigation found that PJ had entered Indonesia using a Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Bali. The visa was still valid until August 24, 2026.
However, immigration officials suspected that the VOA had been used for activities outside its permitted purpose.
“The examination found that the person concerned entered Indonesia using a Visa on Arrival (VOA), which is valid until August 24, 2026. The visa is only intended for certain visits and cannot be used for employment or activities that do not correspond to the purpose for which the visa was issued,” Agung said in a written statement on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, as quoted by detikBali.
The case resulted in Administrative Immigration Action against PJ. He was deported from Indonesia and proposed for inclusion on the immigration blacklist.
The action was based on Article 75 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 122 letter a of Law No. 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration.
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Agung stressed that foreign nationals must ensure their visas and stay permits match the purpose of their activities in Indonesia.
“Supervision of foreign nationals will continue to be strengthened. Every foreign national must use their visa and stay permit according to the purpose of their arrival. For every violation, we will take action in accordance with the applicable regulations,” he said.
The Singaraja Immigration Office said the measure is consistent with the direction of the Director General of Immigration. The policy does not tolerate foreign nationals who misuse their stay permits while in Indonesia.
The authorities are also preparing to strengthen monitoring of foreign nationals across Buleleng, Karangasem, and Jembrana. These areas will receive closer attention as immigration officials continue monitoring foreign nationals and their activities.
Members of the public are also being encouraged to help authorities identify potential violations. Anyone who encounters suspected immigration violations can report them so that immigration officials can investigate and take appropriate action.
For foreign visitors, the case highlights an important point. Having a valid visa does not automatically mean that every activity is permitted. The type of visa and stay permit must correspond with the actual purpose of the visitor’s stay in Indonesia.
