Indonesia Strengthens Immigration Control with AI, Drones and Facial Recognition, Including at Bali's Airport
Indonesia's immigration authority is modernizing border and entry control through a 'digital fence' program using AI, drones, and facial recognition technology. Facial recognition has already been implemented for immigration checks at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, and a new immigration service point for foreigners has opened in a Kuta shopping mall.
The Indonesian government is expanding the use of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and drones, to strengthen and modernize immigration control for foreign entrants. According to Immigration Director General Hendersam Marantoko, such technologies are expected to account for roughly 70% of immigration operations in the future.
With land borders spanning a total of 3,111 km with neighboring countries, Indonesia has introduced a 'digital fence' program that uses drones to monitor entry and exit, particularly along secondary roads in hard-to-access areas, to reinforce oversight in remote regions.
In Bali, facial recognition technology has already been implemented in the immigration screening process at Ngurah Rai International Airport, the island's main gateway, helping to record and identify arriving travelers. Separately, immigration authorities opened a service point inside Discovery Kuta Mall—a popular spot among foreign tourists—in July 2026, serving an average of 100 to 120 foreigners per day for procedures such as residence permit applications.
The Directorate General of Immigration is also developing a technology roadmap extending to 2045, with a dedicated working group expected to be established soon. The stated goal is to enhance surveillance efficiency while keeping immigration services accessible and convenient for the public and tourists.
Things to Consider
When arriving at or departing from Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, expect facial recognition to be used during immigration checks, so avoid wearing masks or sunglasses that could obscure your face for easier processing. If you need to apply for or renew a residence permit (KITAS), consider using the immigration service point inside Discovery Kuta Mall as an alternative to the often crowded main immigration office. Check your passport and visa validity in advance and prepare required documents ahead of time to avoid delays.
Source: vietnam.vn