Indonesia’s Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, has confirmed that authorities are investigating allegations that two Israeli nationals, believed to be former members of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), are managing luxury villas in Bali.
The investigation follows reports that the individuals, a man and a woman, have been involved in promoting and overseeing several high-end properties on the island.
One of them has been identified as Shachar Gornen, whose Instagram account, @gonenvillasbali, previously showcased modern tropical-style villas but has since been set to private with no visible posts.
Agus explained that the operation is part of a broader enforcement effort against foreign nationals in the province.
“On Tuesday (5 August 2025), we held a joint patrol task force meeting with the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) in Bali. The purpose was to regulate foreign nationals in the area,” he told journalists at Jakarta City Hall on Thursday, 7 August 2025.
He emphasised that the initiative was not specifically aimed at Israeli citizens. “The focus is not on Israeli citizens, but on foreign nationals in Bali so that both domestic and international tourists feel comfortable in Bali,” he said.
Agus added that the latest immigration operation in Bali resulted in the apprehension of around 100 foreign nationals. However, he declined to confirm whether the two Israeli nationals were among those detained, noting that investigations are ongoing. “This is currently being investigated. The team is there, conducting an operation,” he said.
Allegations of German Identity and Investor Visa
Reports suggest that Gornen may have entered Indonesia by registering as a German citizen, allowing him to obtain an Investor KITAS visa valid until March 2026. He is believed to be residing in the Pererenan area of Mengwi, Badung Regency, under the sponsorship of an Indonesian company, which acts as his legal guarantor.
Public interest in the case has grown partly due to the alleged military background of the individuals involved. Although Gornen has made his Instagram account private, some promotional material for the villas he managed remains accessible through internet searches.
The Bali Police have also responded to the allegations but emphasised the importance of verifying information before taking any action. Commissioner Ariasandy, Head of Public Relations for the Bali Police, stated: “We will first verify the accuracy of the information. Any violations where the police have the authority to take action or oversee will certainly be addressed.”
He added that, as of now, no official police reports have been filed in connection with the matter. However, the police are prepared to intervene if any criminal breaches are confirmed. “Any violations will certainly be addressed,” he said, as quoted by Kompas.com on Wednesday, 6 August 2025.
Agus reiterated that the combined efforts of Immigration, the Regional Leadership Communication Forum, and other agencies are intended to protect the interests of the tourism industry in Bali.
“The purpose is to regulate foreign nationals in the area so that both domestic and international tourists feel comfortable,” he said.
The Immigration Office has yet to issue an official statement regarding the exact legal status of the two Israeli nationals or the outcome of the current investigation.
For now, both immigration and police authorities maintain that the case remains under review, and any enforcement action will depend on the findings of ongoing verification and inspection efforts.
