Indonesia Immigration Detains 55 Chinese Nationals in BSD Serpong Over Tourist Visa Work Violations
Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration detained 55 Chinese nationals at a data center construction site in BSD Serpong, South Tangerang, on suspicion of working illegally while holding tourist or visit visas. Although the incident occurred in Java rather than Bali, it signals intensified enforcement against visa misuse that could extend to other regions.
Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration announced the detention of 55 Chinese nationals at a telecommunications data center construction site in the BSD (Bumi Serpong Damai) area of South Tangerang, Banten province. The enforcement operation, launched in early September, began after a cyber patrol team detected signs of violations at the site.
According to Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko, 17 of the individuals were confirmed to be working while holding Visit Stay Permits (ITK) based on Visa on Arrival (VoA), and were transferred to the Jakarta Immigration Detention House for further legal proceedings. Administrative actionâpassport confiscationâwas taken against the remaining 34, including 27 ITK holders and seven others found at the site, who are scheduled for further examination at an immigration office on September 9. Four additional individuals were placed on a special watch list after their passports were seized from their employer, though their whereabouts remain unconfirmed.
While this incident occurred in Java rather than Bali, it reflects a broader nationwide crackdown on foreigners working illegally under tourist or visit visas. This is highly relevant for foreigners in Bali as well, since immigration authorities across Indonesia are intensifying surveillance of visa misuse, particularly cases where individuals engage in employment activities while holding VoA or B211 visit visas.
Things to Consider
Engaging in work activities while on a tourist visa (VoA) or visit visa (B211) constitutes a serious violation; those intending to work in Indonesia should obtain a proper work visa (such as KITAS) beforehand. Verify that any visa arrangement services offered by employers are legitimate, and avoid surrendering your passport to third parties. Similar enforcement actions could occur in Bali, so it is important to stay informed about your visa status and residency requirements at all times.
Source: AFU.id