Authorities are investigating a growing controversy in Bali involving two former Israeli soldiers suspected of managing luxury villas while concealing their true identities. The two foreign nationals, believed to be former members of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), are alleged to have entered Indonesia posing as German citizens.
Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, addressed the case after it drew national attention. Speaking at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, August 7, 2025, he confirmed that an investigation is underway.
“This news about former Israeli soldiers who are managing luxury villas in Bali is currently under investigation. Our team is on the ground conducting operations,” said Agus, as quoted by Antara on Thursday, August 7.
A recent immigration sweep in Bali led to the detainment of around 100 foreign nationals. While Agus confirmed the operation, he did not elaborate on the specific immigration violations committed by those apprehended.
Among those under scrutiny are a man and a woman, both believed to be Israeli and former IDF personnel. One of them is thought to be Shachar Gornen, who has built an online identity as a travel content creator and self-proclaimed explorer.
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Social media users have traced Gornen’s activities to an Instagram account, @gonenvillasbali. Before the account drew public attention, it actively showcased promotional content for high-end, modern tropical-style villas. By the time this report was prepared, the account had been switched to private and showed no visible posts or followers.
Gornen’s personal Instagram profile is also private, limiting access to approved followers only. Nevertheless, fragments of her previous content—featuring Bali’s luxury villas—can still be found through Google search results.
While immigration has not yet confirmed the details, public information suggests Gornen entered Indonesia by identifying herself as German. As a result, immigration officers in Bali registered her as a German national.
She reportedly obtained an Investor KITAS, which allows for limited stay in Indonesia under investment purposes. Her visa is said to be valid until March 2026. She currently resides in the Pererenan area, Mengwi District, Badung Regency, Bali.
Her KITAS sponsorship reportedly comes from an Indonesian company serving as her guarantor. These claims, however, remain unverified by immigration officials.
Even so, Bali Police last month stated their willingness to investigate the case if there are indications of criminal violations or breaches of national regulations.
