Bali Is Not the "Wild West": Enforcement Tightens Against Foreign National Violations
Bali, long known as a heart of world tourism, has lately drawn attention for less flattering reasons. The island seems to have become an open stage for a segment of foreign nationals engaging in conduct that undermines the law and local order — from blatant traffic violations, to abusing a stay permit to run an illegal business, to involvement in serious criminal networks. From a sociology-of-law perspective, this raises a real question: is Bali now seen as a "rule-free zone" for those holding a foreign passport?
1. Stay-permit abuse: running a business behind a tourist visa
A number of foreign nationals enter on a Visit Stay Permit (ITK), yet on the ground go on to operate a property business, work as a surf instructor, or act as a professional photographer. Legally, this is a serious violation of Article 122(a) of the Immigration Law, under which a foreign national who deliberately misuses a stay permit, or engages in activity inconsistent with its stated purpose, can face up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of hundreds of millions of rupiah.
2. Legal standing: a territorial principle that plays no favourites
There is a mistaken perception that "guest" status confers a degree of immunity. In fact, Indonesia applies the territorial principle set out in Article 2 of the Criminal Code (and reaffirmed under the new National Criminal Code), under which Indonesia's criminal provisions apply to anyone who commits an offence within its territory — without exception, whether tourist or local resident.
3. Deportation and integrated enforcement
Administrative measures such as deportation and blacklisting under Article 75 of the Immigration Law are frequently applied. For offences of a criminal nature — such as narcotics or violence — however, the criminal-law route remains the priority. Law enforcement in Bali is now expected to be more collaborative between Immigration, the Police, and the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) to uphold the rule of law across the island.
4. Nominee agreements as a loophole for violations
In the business sector, administrative offences often originate from a nominee agreement (borrowed-name arrangement), in which a foreign national appears to exercise full control over land or a business through a local citizen. This not only breaches Article 33 of the Investment Law, but is also frequently the gateway to legal disputes that later escalate into intimidation or fraud.
Indonesian law makes no compromise in the name of tourism. Bali is an international destination, but its legal sovereignty remains national. Firmness in acting against foreign nationals who break the law isn't only about maintaining public order — it is also about protecting the standing of Indonesian law so that it is not taken lightly on the world stage.