25 Illegal Foreign Photographers Deported, Ministry Vows to Protect Local Creative Workers

The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Kemenimipas) has deported 25 foreign nationals (WNA) proven to have misused residence permits and Visas on Arrival (VoA) to engage in commercial activities in the photography and videography sector in Indonesia. The enforcement action followed a report submitted by national professional photography associations. Based on examination results, the foreign nationals were found to be operating photography businesses and services without holding the appropriate residence permits for their activities. Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, asserted that law enforcement against visa misuse is part of the state’s effort to protect the public and national business actors from harmful practices. “We appreciate the information provided by the Ministry of Creative Economy and stakeholders. Protecting Indonesian citizens from foreigners who misuse their purpose of arrival is part of our duty and responsibility. Therefore, we are ready to continue collaborating to provide protection to domestic creative business actors,” Agus stated on Tuesday (9/6/2026). According to Agus, Indonesia remains open to international collaboration and the presence of foreign professionals who work legally in accordance with legal provisions. However, every foreign national conducting work activities in Indonesia must possess permits and documents that comply with statutory regulations. “They must enter with a sponsor, unless they come individually. If they indeed misuse their arrival by using a Visa on Arrival and then work, that is the object of our action,” said Agus. Kemenimipas noted that the modus operandi of VoA misuse is still found across various sectors, including the creative economy. The VoA facility provided by the government to facilitate visits to Indonesia cannot be used for work activities or earning an income without a valid permit. On the same occasion, Kemenimipas received a visit from the Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, who expressed appreciation for the Immigration Directorate General’s rapid response in following up on reports from professional associations and national photography industry players regarding the rampant activities of illegal foreign photographers in several regions. “This is certainly good news, the responsiveness of the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections and of course under the Director General of Immigration. We came here to discuss this matter, to express our appreciation and thanks, and of course to support the continued sweeping efforts, especially not only in photography, but perhaps also in other creative economy sub-sectors such as film, animation, music, and so on,” Teuku Riefky stated. Through this synergy, the two ministries agreed to strengthen coordination in supervising the activities of foreigners in the creative economy sector, including photography, film, animation, music, and other creative sub-sectors. The strengthening of supervision will be carried out through optimising the Foreigner Surveillance Team (Timpora), information exchange, and increasing public participation in reporting suspected immigration violations. Kemenimipas also called on the public to play an active role in monitoring foreigners by reporting any suspected misuse of residence permits through the available complaint channels and immigration supervision services. In addition to discussing the strengthening of immigration supervision, the meeting also resulted in a commitment to cooperate in developing coaching programmes for correctional inmates through creative economy activities. This collaboration is expected to strengthen the skills, creativity, and readiness of inmates to return to society productively. Kemenimipas also expressed its readiness to support the hosting of the World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) 2026, which will be held in Jakarta in October 2026, including through immigration services and facilitation support for participants from various countries.