66 Foreign Nationals from 27 Countries Arrested in Bali for Immigration Violations
The ‘Dharma Dewata’ patrol has been intensified by the Bali Immigration Office to target various violations committed by foreign nationals. During a single week, the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration apprehended 66 foreign nationals from 27 countries suspected of immigration offences. The enforcement action was the result of the ongoing Dharma Dewata Immigration Patrol conducted across the working areas of the Ngurah Rai, Denpasar, Singaraja, Klungkung, and Tabanan immigration offices.
Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, Felucia Sengky Ratna, explained that the intensified patrols are a response to the rising number of violations by foreigners. The Dharma Dewata Task Force is not only tightening surveillance but also providing a quick response to potential public order disturbances to reduce the rate of offences by foreign nationals. This aims to enhance the sense of security within the community and ensure Bali remains safe and conducive for both residents and international tourists.
During the operation, the task force uncovered various modus operandi and types of legal violations. These were dominated by 24 cases of misuse of residence permits, 20 cases of overstaying, and 22 cases of disturbing public security and order. Throughout the operation, officers utilised an integrated digital data system for efficient document validation and visited business operators and accommodation managers to educate them on their reporting obligations through the Foreigner Reporting Application (APOA).
Felucia Sengky Ratna stressed that the patrols demonstrate the Immigration office’s consistency in maintaining regional security. ‘Digital-based surveillance has proven effective in detecting potential violations more quickly and accurately, thus limiting the space for foreigners who intend to break the rules,’ she stated. Regarding enforcement procedures, she instructed all field personnel to maintain integrity and professionalism. ‘In every operation, I emphasise that all personnel must work professionally and avoid abuse of authority, conducting surveillance humanely but firmly and measurably in accordance with the applicable legal corridor,’ she asserted.
Furthermore, Felucia urged the public to participate in surveillance by reporting any indications of violations by foreign nationals through official channels. The Dharma Dewata Task Force will continue to operate to realise security stability on the Island of the Gods. Synergistic collaboration between agencies and the participation of all levels of society will make a significant contribution to the enforcement of immigration law.