US Citizen Faces Possible Deportation Over Land Sale Promotion in Kintamani, Bali

Denpasar's Class I Immigration Office (TPI) is investigating an alleged immigration violation involving a 34-year-old US citizen, identified by the initials SR, after a video went viral showing him promoting roughly 54 acres of land for sale in the Kintamani area of Bangli Regency, Bali, with Mount Batur visible in the background. SR holds an investor residence permit (KITAS).

According to immigration officials, a first summons letter was sent on July 30, 2026, followed by a second summons that also included his sponsor. As of now, SR has not appeared to provide clarification. As a precaution, authorities have placed him on the Subject of Interest (SOI) list, which allows officers at immigration checkpoints to delay his departure from Indonesia pending further investigation.

Officials emphasized that under Indonesian law, foreigners are prohibited from acting as individual agents or freelance brokers marketing land. Legal real estate marketing activity by foreigners must be conducted through a properly licensed foreign investment company (PT PMA) with the appropriate business classification (KBLI), supported by required labor documents such as RPTKA and a work-related ITAS for any foreign staff involved.

Immigration also cited Article 21 of Indonesia's 1960 Basic Agrarian Law (UUPA), which bars foreigners from holding freehold title (Hak Milik) to land; foreigners may only hold usage rights (Hak Pakai) or lease rights (Hak Sewa). The ownership status of the 54-acre plot shown in the video has not yet been confirmed.

Authorities said they are coordinating with the Foreigner Supervision Team (TIMPORA) to examine immigration, land, investment, and business aspects of the case. If SR again fails to respond to a summons, officers plan to visit his residence to bring him in for questioning. If violations are confirmed, sanctions could include revocation of his residence permit, deportation, or an entry ban.