Immigration enforcement across Bali resulted in the detention of 177 foreign nationals at the Denpasar Immigration Detention Centre (Rudenim) during the first nine months of 2026.
Official records covering the period from 1 January to 30 September reveal that individuals from Nigeria, Pakistan, and Russia comprised the largest proportion of detainees, with visa overstays cited as the single most frequent violation.
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday afternoon, the Head of the Denpasar Immigration Detention Centre, Teguh Mentalyadi, confirmed that the majority of those held have already been processed and removed from Indonesian territory.
“We have deported 143 foreign nationals and transferred seven detainees. The highest volume was recorded in April 2026, when the Denpasar Detention Centre successfully executed 28 detentions and 29 deportations within a 30-day period,” he said as quoted from CNNIndonesia.
The jurisdictional scope of the Denpasar facility spans both the provinces of Bali and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). Consequently, the centre processes individuals apprehended by various regional immigration offices across both territories. Mentalyadi explained that detention durations vary considerably between cases due to individual administrative circumstances.
“The length of time detainees spend at the Denpasar Detention Centre varies, as every detainee presents distinct characteristics and operational obstacles.”
Logistical Challenges in Removal Procedures and Common Infractions
Executing deportations involves complex administrative protocols, with airfare costs presenting a recurring obstacle. When foreign nationals lack personal funds to purchase return tickets, immigration officials must negotiate alternative arrangements through external parties, including relatives, foreign diplomatic missions, and local sponsors.
Mentalyadi noted that unconfirmed nationality status and missing documentation frequently stall the issuance of required travel permits.
“Other constraints include missing or invalid travel documents, requirements for medical treatment, or travel fitness considerations.”
Authorities emphasised that provided an individual’s identity, paperwork, health status, and travel financing are fully settled and there are no outstanding requests from police or prosecutors deportation is carried out without unnecessary delay.
Outlining the broader patterns observed among foreign offenders in Bali, Mentalyadi highlighted that overstaying remains the most widespread infraction, followed by public nuisance offences and individuals who have served out local prison terms.
“Out of the 177 foreign nationals we have detained, the largest numbers currently originate from Nigeria, Pakistan, and Russia. Figures for other nations remain at standard baseline levels. On average, the majority of these individuals committed overstay violations, followed secondly by public order offences, and thirdly by those recently released from correctional facilities upon completing their prison terms.”
