Indonesian Police Hold Meeting to Strengthen Foreign Resident Oversight in Bali, Targeting Nominee Businesses and Enclave Communities

On August 20, 2026, the intelligence division of the Indonesian National Police (Baintelkam Polri) held a joint analysis meeting on foreign resident oversight at the Grand Santhi Hotel in Denpasar, Bali. The meeting broadly reviewed activities of foreign nationals, including the formation of exclusive residential enclaves, business ownership practices, and impacts on local order and culture.

Police identified several patterns of concern, including business operations conducted under the names of local residents (nominee arrangements), criminal cases involving assault, narcotics, and theft, and issues related to property investment. Particular attention was drawn to the emergence of closed-off foreign resident communities in tourist areas such as Canggu, Uluwatu, and Ubud, which officials worry could erode local traditions and neighborhood security.

Key outcomes from the discussion included: (1) strengthening integrated data systems linking entry points (airports and seaports) with all types of accommodation, including hotels, villas, and boarding houses; (2) enhancing cross-sector cooperation among police, immigration, local government, customary villages (desa adat), traditional security units (pecalang), and communities; and (3) a proposal to establish a dedicated task force to speed up handling of violations involving foreign nationals.

This meeting represents a policy discussion and set of proposals rather than an immediate change in law or enforcement practice.