Bali Immigration Strengthens Village-Level Monitoring of Foreigners in Tabanan
Tabanan Immigration Office has designated Nyambu and Kaba-Kaba villages in Kediri District as pilot 'Immigration Development Villages' to strengthen monitoring of foreign nationals at the community level. Immigration officers will make weekly visits and encourage residents to report information, with plans to expand the program to other villages gradually due to limited staffing.
Bali's Tabanan Immigration Office is strengthening its monitoring of foreign nationals at the village level as the number of foreigners living and spending time on the island grows. At a media gathering on Monday, September 14, 2026, Tabanan Immigration Office head Andhika Rahadiansyah announced that Nyambu and Kaba-Kaba villages in Kediri District have been designated as 'Immigration Development Villages.'
The two villages were selected because they have a relatively large number of foreign nationals living or carrying out activities there, which officials describe as a potential immigration vulnerability. The designation creates a closer coordination structure between immigration officials, village authorities, and residents.
Under the program, Immigration Village Officers will make weekly visits to the designated villages, coordinating with local officials and providing information about immigration regulations. Residents are also encouraged to report information about foreign nationals or activities that may warrant immigration attention.
'Information from the village level can be immediately forwarded to Immigration for verification and, when necessary, followed up together with the Foreigners Monitoring Team (Timpora),' Andhika said.
The village-based approach aims to shorten the flow of information between communities and immigration authorities, allowing potential issuesâincluding misuse of residence permits and crimes such as human trafficking involving foreign nationalsâto be identified and addressed more quickly.
However, due to limited personnel, the program cannot yet be expanded to every village within the Tabanan Immigration Office's jurisdiction simultaneously. Andhika said the office's ultimate goal is to assign at least one Immigration Village Officer to every village, but expansion will occur gradually to avoid reducing the program's effectiveness.
Nyambu and Kaba-Kaba currently serve as pilot locations, with officials hoping to eventually expand the model to other villages with similar monitoring needs.
Things to Consider
If you live in or frequently visit areas with large expat populations such as Nyambu or Kaba-Kaba, make sure your visa or residence permit (KITAS, etc.) is valid and matches its intended purpose, and keep relevant documents on hand at all times. Cooperate honestly if approached by village officials or immigration officers, and consult a licensed agent or the immigration office directly if you have questions about your status. Avoid unauthorized work or using a residence permit for purposes other than what it was issued for.
Source: The Bali Times