BADUNG Bali – A joint team from the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, and the Cyber Crime Directorate (Ditres Siber) of the Bali Regional Police secured 28 foreign nationals (WNA) during a law enforcement operation in the Ungasan area, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, on Thursday (11/5/2026).
The dozens of foreign nationals were secured after officers obtained intelligence regarding suspected illegal activities organized at a location believed to serve as their operational hub.
Of the 28 foreign nationals secured, 24 are citizens of Cameroon, three are from Turkmenistan, and one is a citizen of Georgia.
Based on initial examinations, the operation was allegedly structured with a clear division of tasks. The Georgian national acted as the manager, the 24 Cameroonian nationals served as operators and administrators, and the three Turkmenistani nationals acted as security personnel.
Bali Police Cyber Crime Directorate Coordinates with National Police International Relations Division
The Director of Cyber Crime for the Bali Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Aszhari Kurniawan, S.H., S.I.K., M.Si., explained that the joint operation represents inter-institutional synergy and collaboration in enforcing the law against suspected illegal activities involving foreign nationals in Bali.
"This joint operation is a form of law enforcement collaboration between the Bali Regional Police Cyber Crime Directorate and immigration ranks in following up on information regarding suspected illegal activities conducted by foreign nationals in Bali," Aszhari stated.
Regarding the specific types of illegal activities allegedly carried out by these foreign nationals, Aszhari explained that his team is still conducting further investigations and coordinating with the International Relations Division (Hubinter) of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) in Jakarta.
"To ascertain the types of illegal activities committed, we are currently coordinating with the National Police Hubinter Division in Jakarta. This is crucial to ensure that the handling is carried out precisely, based on facts and investigative findings, and in accordance with applicable legal provisions," he explained.
According to Aszhari, this coordination is an essential component in handling suspected illegal activities involving foreign nationals, particularly if indications of transnational links are discovered.
He emphasized that the Bali Police Cyber Crime Directorate will continue to strengthen coordination with relevant agencies to support law enforcement efforts and maintain the security of Bali's region, including security in the digital space.
Immigration Discovers Alleged Residence Permit Violations
Meanwhile, based on immigration document inspections, most of the secured foreign nationals were found to be using D12 multiple-entry visit residence permits.
However, officers found three individuals whose residence permits had expired.
Additionally, indications of residence permit misuse were discovered, along with suspected provision of false information during the process of obtaining visas or residence permits in Indonesia.
In response to these findings, the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office will impose Immigration Administrative Actions (TAK) in the form of deportation for all 28 foreign nationals.
Currently, all of the foreign nationals are being housed in the Detention Room of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office while awaiting deportation processing.
The Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, Muhamad Novyandri, emphasized that his office will not tolerate foreign nationals who misuse residence permits or engage in illegal employment activities in Indonesia.
"We have conducted immigration examinations on these 28 foreigners. Naturally, we will not allow foreign nationals to misuse their residence permits or work illegally in Indonesia. We will process them in accordance with the regulations," Novyandri stressed.
Monitoring of Foreign Activities in Bali Strengthened
The Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, Ramdhani, emphasized that monitoring the presence and activities of foreign nationals will continue to be intensified, especially in Bali's tourism areas.
According to him, immigration oversight is a vital element in maintaining security, order, and Bali's reputation as an international tourism destination.
"We fully support quality and sustainable tourism in Bali. However, there is no room for foreign nationals who misuse their residence permits, break the law, or engage in activities that can tarnish Bali's tourism image," Ramdhani stated.
Ramdhani also expressed appreciation to the Bali Regional Police for their information support and collaboration during the execution of the joint operation.
This operation simultaneously demonstrates the importance of synergy between immigration authorities and the police in anticipating various forms of suspected illegal activities involving foreign nationals.
While the immigration administrative process for the 28 foreign nationals is underway, the investigation into the specific types of alleged illegal activities carried out is still being coordinated by the Bali Police Cyber Crime Directorate alongside the National Police Hubinter Division.
This step is expected to ensure that the case is handled professionally, proportionately, and in accordance with applicable legal provisions, while supporting the realization of a secure Bali, both physically and within the digital space. — Public Relations (Humas). Translated by balilegalcare.com
