Indonesian officials taking firm action to rule-breaking foreigners

Rule-Breaking Foreigners: Immigration will Take Firm Action

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The Directorate General of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights has directed a central monitoring and enforcement team to assist in the prosecution of rule-breaking foreigners who violate Bali’s laws and regulations.

“I have requested that a central-level monitoring and control (immigration) team assist Bali. Every day, I keep track of how foreigners are progressing,” said Silmy Karim, the Director General of Immigration.

According to Karim, the current situation has improved because the surveillance operation is effective enough to deter foreigners in Bali from violating local rules, culture, and values.

Just like what Immigration has stated beforehand, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has stated as well that the government will take firm action against rule-breaking foreigners who violate Indonesian laws and norms.

“We welcome guests with open arms and the utmost hospitality. However, this does not mean that tourists who cause trouble or commit acts that violate the law and norms will not face harsh consequences,” On Monday, the 6th of March, he elaborated during an online discussion.

The minister stated that his administration will inform tourists about the dos and don’ts in Indonesia so that they understand and follow the state’s expectations.

“We welcome foreign tourists with open arms and roll out the red carpet for them. They must, however, follow the law and the norms, and we will take harsh measures if they do not. Of course, we will make certain that their trip is safe, convenient, and enjoyable,” he added.

 

He revealed that the ministry is coordinating with other stakeholders, such as regional governments in Bali Province and the Presidential Staff Office, in order to continue the effort to disseminate information.

He also confirmed that foreign nationals can work in Indonesia if they have the necessary visa. Furthermore, they are permitted to work as long as they do not take jobs reserved for locals.

“Foreign nationals with specific visas will be instructed to do things that are appropriate according to the permit they obtain when entering Indonesian territory,” Minister Uno said.

In 2022, Australia had the most foreign tourists arriving in Indonesia via VoA and e-VoA, with 640,406 tourists, followed by 252,241 from India, 162,914 from the United States, 157,106 from the United Kingdom, and 125,487 from France.

Meanwhile, China’s citizens received the most stay permit visas in Indonesia this year, with 27,351 people, followed by 13,963 from Russia, 3,736 from South Korea, 3,025 from Japan, and 2,555 from Australia.

 

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A Jakarta-based content creative enthusiast who started his content-making journey by joining a school reporter community at a well-known teen magazine in Indonesia during high school in 2013. Besides writing, he also loved to listen to podcasts and watch pro wrestling shows.

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