Foreigner Deportation in Bali – The Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration deported 342 foreign nationals during the first half of 2026 after they were found to have violated Indonesian immigration regulations.
The enforcement measures, carried out between January and June 2026, involved all immigration work units across Bali, including the Ngurah Rai Class I Immigration Office (TPI), Denpasar Class I Immigration Office (TPI), Singaraja Class II Immigration Office (TPI), the Denpasar Immigration Detention Centre, and the Tabanan and Klungkung Class III Non-TPI Immigration Offices.
Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, Felucia Sengky Ratna, said the administrative actions formed part of routine supervision conducted by immigration authorities throughout the province.
“This administrative action is part of the routine monitoring efforts carried out by all Immigration Offices in the Bali region,” Felucia said in a written statement on Sunday (5 July) to Kompas.com.
She explained that officers conducted field operations and monitored locations considered hotspots for foreign national activity.
According to data from the first semester of 2026, the majority of violations involved the misuse of stay permits and overstaying.
“In addition, supervision also targets activities that impact public order, violations of customary norms, and involvement in illegal economic activities,” she said.
Immigration Highlights Major Enforcement Cases
Felucia emphasised that Indonesia, particularly Bali, remains open to international tourists and investors. However, she stressed that all foreign nationals are required to comply with Indonesian laws and regulations throughout their stay.
“Deportation and deterrence sanctions are given to foreigners who violate the rules. This step is a form of regulatory enforcement to maintain public order,” she said.
She added that the enforcement efforts were strengthened through independent immigration operations and coordination with the Foreigner Monitoring Team (Timpora), enabling authorities to uncover several significant cases during the year.
Among the notable cases was the discovery of a clandestine narcotics laboratory involving two Russian nationals in March 2026. The operation was successfully carried out in collaboration with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and Customs.
During the same month, immigration officers also arrested British Interpol fugitive Steven Lyons at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport after identifying him through the Interpol Red Notice system.
In June 2026, immigration authorities thwarted an attempt by Australian Interpol fugitive Angelo Padelli to leave Indonesia. The operation was conducted in cooperation with the Directorate of Drug Crimes at the Indonesian National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Public Asked to Report Suspicious Foreign Nationals
Felucia called on members of the public to actively assist authorities by reporting suspected immigration violations through official complaint channels available at immigration offices.
“We urge residents to utilise the official complaint channels available at the nearest Immigration Office. Don’t hesitate to immediately report any suspicious activity by foreigners that could potentially violate the law or even commit a crime,” she said.
She reiterated that public participation, combined with coordination between immigration authorities and law enforcement agencies, plays an important role in maintaining public order while ensuring Bali remains a safe destination for tourists and foreign investors who comply with Indonesian regulations.
