DENPASAR, Bali – Indonesian authorities are tightening scrutiny on foreign nationals amid a rise in immigration violations throughout 2026, including activities in Bali suspected of breaching tourist visa regulations.

The Directorate General of Immigration recorded 6,779 immigration enforcement actions involving foreign nationals between January 1 and May 5, 2026. Of that number, 2,026 cases resulted in deportations and residence permit cancellations, while another 1,323 foreigners were placed on Indonesia’s blacklist.

Hendarsam Marantoko, Indonesia’s Director General of Immigration, said the high number of enforcement actions demonstrates that immigration monitoring is functioning effectively.

“I need to clarify that immigration has not been ‘breached.’ On the contrary, the successful arrests of foreign nationals in various locations prove the effectiveness of our intelligence function in detecting violations early,” Hendarsam said in an official statement on Wednesday (May 13).

Beyond residence permit violations, authorities are also paying closer attention to activities potentially involving visa misuse, including hidden employment, business promotions, and commercial activities conducted under tourist visas.

The increased scrutiny has also drawn attention to Bali, particularly tourism hubs such as Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak, which in recent years have become major centers for digital nomads, content creators, and remote workers from around the world.

Activities such as promoting hotels and villas on social media, organizing retreats and workshops, and informal business collaborations are now attracting greater attention from immigration authorities when conducted without the appropriate visa or residence permit.

The government has reiterated that any foreign national engaging in commercial activities in Indonesia must use a visa that complies with Indonesian immigration regulations.

The tighter oversight is seen as part of Indonesia’s broader effort to strengthen control over foreign activities as international tourism and expatriate communities continue to grow following the pandemic.