AMLAPURA, Bali – An unusual yet increasingly common trend has emerged in Karangasem Regency. More and more foreigners are now choosing to stay in kos, local boarding houses typically rented on a monthly basis, rather than in villas or hotels.

A kos is a modest, shared accommodation popular among Indonesian students and workers for its affordability. Unlike villas or hotels that offer full services, kos provide only basic rooms, sometimes with shared facilities, at much cheaper rates. For many foreigners seeking long stays in Bali, kos have become the preferred option.

Cheaper and Longer Stays
The primary reason behind this shift is cost. By staying in kos, foreigners can spend far less on accommodation, stretching their budget to remain in Bali for months, or even years. Compared to villas or hotels that can charge premium prices, kos offer a fraction of the cost with flexible rental terms.

Reports indicate that foreigners renting kos are no longer isolated cases. The phenomenon has spread across nearly all districts in Karangasem, making it a noticeable trend that locals have begun to talk about. However, while affordable living may sound harmless, the presence of foreign residents in kos has stirred unease among communities.

Public Concerns and Risks
Locals have voiced concerns ranging from administrative challenges to potential immigration issues. Residency registration, which is mandatory for both citizens and foreigners, becomes more difficult when WNA (foreign nationals) settle in kos that may not officially report their tenants.

There are also fears that some foreigners may be misusing their visas, staying longer than legally permitted while blending into neighborhoods through cheap kos rentals. This situation, if left unchecked, could lead to violations of immigration law and possible social tensions with local residents.

Local Government Response
Karangasem Regent I Gusti Putu Parwata, known as Gus Par, acknowledged the issue and emphasized the importance of strict oversight. Speaking on Wednesday (Oct 1, 2025), he stated that the local government is preparing coordinated measures with related agencies to collect data and supervise foreigners living in kos.

“Data collection will be carried out immediately to ensure their presence is clear. We must prevent any violations of regulations that could harm the community,” Gus Par explained.

To achieve this, the administration will mobilize villages and urban wards as the front line of information gathering. These local authorities are expected to provide accurate records of foreigners residing in kos, which will then be verified with official immigration data.

Focus on Residence Permits
According to Gus Par, the central issue is not about where foreigners live, but whether they comply with Indonesian law. The government intends to focus on verifying residence permits, ensuring that all foreigners renting kos hold valid visas and follow the rules of their stay.

“This requires closer supervision, especially regarding residence permits and their adherence to regulations,” Gus Par stressed.

The move is seen as an effort to keep Karangasem safe and harmonious, while also preventing friction between locals and foreigners. By tightening control, authorities hope to avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, or even exploitation of cheap kos arrangements that might bypass formal obligations such as taxes or reporting.

A Broader Trend in Bali
The rise of foreigners renting kos is not unique to Karangasem. Across Bali, reports have surfaced of long-stay visitors seeking affordable alternatives to villas and resorts, especially as the island continues to attract digital nomads, retirees, and budget travelers.

Karangasem, with its slower pace of life compared to south Bali, has become particularly attractive. But for the local government, the priority remains clear: welcoming foreign guests while maintaining order, fairness, and compliance with Indonesian law.