Indonesia's immigration authorities have formed the Dharma Dewata task force in Bali to crack down on foreign content creators and influencers who conduct commercial filming or photography while holding tourist visas. Between January and June 2026, 342 foreigners from 60 countries were deported for immigration violations. While experts and creators support stricter enforcement, they say the rules need clearer distinctions between commercial work and personal travel content.
Bali's Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) office has announced plans to identify and regulate unlicensed foreign-owned villa businesses, requiring proper tax registration. At a meeting with a local business association, concerns were raised about nominee land-ownership schemes and unequal tax burdens between foreign and local operators.
Bali's Immigration Office identified 66 foreign nationals from 27 countries during a week-long enforcement operation called 'Dharma Dewata', citing suspected visa misuse, overstaying, and public order violations. Further administrative action, including possible deportation, is being considered for each case.
A Bali regional bylaw (ASKP) regulating app-based tourism transport, passed by the provincial legislature in October 2025, remains unratified by Indonesia's central government. The regulation would require online drivers to hold a Bali ID card and use only Bali-registered
Denpasar Immigration Office is investigating a 34-year-old US citizen holding an investor KITAS after a viral video showed him promoting roughly 54 acres of land in Kintamani, Bangli Regency, Bali, with Mount Batur as a backdrop. He has missed two official summons and has been placed on the Subject of Interest (SOI) list, allowing authorities to halt his departure from Indonesia.
Singaraja's Class II Immigration Office deported a 55-year-old Australian man (initials PJ) for allegedly misusing his Visa-on-Arrival (VOA). He is accused of leading meditation sessions and organizing a paid yoga retreat in Buleleng regency, activities not permitted under a VOA. He has also been proposed for entry into Indonesia's blacklist.
Indonesia's Audit Board (BPK) has endorsed the immigration directorate's selective visa policy and recommended a thorough review of plans to reinstate broad visa-free entry (BVK) for 169 countries, warning it could reduce state revenue by up to Rp 3.02 trillion annually. Despite selective visa measures, foreign arrivals in 2023 still exceeded 10.6 million.
Indonesia's Semarang Immigration Office announced it will strengthen monitoring of foreign nationals following the discovery of a 'love scam' syndicate case involving four Chinese fugitives. The office plans to boost intelligence capabilities and expand information sharing with law enforcement and foreign diplomatic missions.
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized S$8,500 in cash from the office of the South Jakarta Immigration Office chief amid an ongoing investigation into extortion and bribery linked to foreigners' stay permits. Eight suspects, including a former immigration deputy minister, have already been detained, and searches have also been conducted at immigration offices and visa agencies in Bali.
Indonesia's Finance Minister announced the postponement of a new tax on major e-commerce marketplaces including Tokopedia, Shopee, Lazada, and Blibli. The 0.5% income tax withholding scheme, originally set to take effect August 1, 2026, will be delayed until the economy and purchasing power improve. The policy affects foreign residents and small business owners in Bali who sell goods through these platforms, and no new implementation date has been set.
A Belarusian national living in Amed, Karangasem Regency, is being questioned by the Singaraja Class II Immigration Office after allegations that he removed Indonesian citizens from a local WhatsApp community group. Authorities are also examining whether his business activities, including garage sales, comply with permit and tax regulations.
Klungkung Immigration Office in Bali is investigating two Chinese nationals, initials WN and KL, in Nusa Penida for allegedly working as dive instructors while holding business visas rather than work permits. Officials have summoned the pair and warned that deportation is possible if violations are confirmed. The district government is also cracking down on foreign-owned businesses over licensing and permit compliance.
On August 3, members of the Bali Tourism Driver Struggle Forum (FPDPB) visited the Bali Provincial Legislature to protest the delayed enforcement of a regional regulation on app-based tourism transport services (Perda ASKP), which was passed in October 2025 but has yet to take effect due to a prolonged review process by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Local drivers say ongoing issues include traffic congestion, unregistered vehicles, and unfairly low fares.
Following a series of incidents involving misbehaving foreign tourists in Bali, a tourism observer has called for stricter enforcement of existing rules and better pre-arrival education. While a 2025 gubernatorial circular already sets conduct guidelines, the observer says stronger legal consequences are needed for real deterrence.
Indonesian police held a mobile driving license (SIM Keliling) renewal service at Gianyar Town Square in Bali on August 2, from 7:00 to 9:00 WITA. The service only covers renewals of SIM A and C license types for local residents; it does not apply to foreign license holders.
Bali's visa revenue reached Rp405.25 billion in the first half of 2026, a significant drop from Rp717.8 billion in the same period last year. The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office remains the largest contributor, but officials attribute the decline to slower foreign tourist arrivals amid ongoing global geopolitical tensions.
An expatriate-only running club called Bali Silent Disco in Canggu has drawn criticism for excluding local Indonesians, prompting immigration authorities to deport two Dutch organizers. The event allegedly violated visa conditions, adding to a string of recent controversies involving foreigners in Bali, including drug smuggling, illegal work, and visa misuse.
The Bali regional tax office (DJP Bali) and Karangasem Regency government have formed a joint team to increase tax revenue through data-driven monitoring and taxpayer education. The initiative will focus on tourism areas along Karangasem's east coast, where many unregistered taxpayers have been identified.
Indonesian immigration authorities have barred two Dutch nationals from re-entering the country over their role in organizing Entourage Bali's silent disco running event, after social media posts alleged the club rejected Indonesian applicants while accepting foreigners. The incident has triggered a broader crackdown, with several other popular running clubs in Bali pausing activities amid growing scrutiny of foreigners' conduct on the island.