Indonesian officials taking firm action to rule-breaking foreigners

Rule-Breaking Foreigners: Immigration will Take Firm Action

Share:

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.

 

Check out the other news from Social Expat to stay updated:

Content Writer

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.

Related News

Roemah Koffie has launched Massimo Freddo, a new coffee beverage series, marking the company’s first major release of 2026. The series combines Indonesian coffee beans with Freddo, a traditional Greek cold coffee preparation. The launch was carried out in collaboration with fashion brand Ghea Resort by Amanda Janna. Through a bundling concept, consumers can purchase […]

The Legal Aid and Consultation Agency (BKBH) of the University of Mataram (Unram) has received a report of alleged sexual violence involving a New Zealand national in West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Indonesia. The report states that three individuals—two women and one man—are victims in the case. The allegation was confirmed by the Head […]

Archaeologists have identified what is believed to be the world’s oldest known cave art in Indonesia. A hand stencil discovered in a limestone cave on Muna Island, Southeast Sulawesi, has been dated to at least 67,800 years old, according to a study published in the journal Nature in January 2026. The discovery was made in […]

BLACKPINK’s Lisa is stepping into a new phase of her career. Lalisa Manobal is officially making her film debut in Tygo, a Netflix action thriller that brings together some of South Korea’s biggest names. The film stars Ma Dong Seok, also known internationally as Don Lee, alongside Lee Jin Uk, Choi Dae Hoon, and Ryeoun. […]

Expat Events

Indonesia Visas

Expat Event

Social Networking
150,000
Habitate Jakarta
Social Networking
150,000
Mövenpick Hotel Jakarta City Centre

Indonesia Guide

Just For Fun

Write For Us

Exclusive Promotions

Event Gallery