Bali Immigration Intensifies Foreigner Surveillance with 'Dharma Dewata' Patrols
The Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration is intensifying surveillance of foreign nationals’ activities through the ‘Dharma Dewata’ patrol, focusing on areas considered vulnerable to immigration violations. The operation aims to detect and take early action against breaches of immigration law by foreigners on the island.
The Dharma Dewata Task Force was officially inaugurated by the Director General of Immigration on 15 April 2026, and has since been conducting ongoing patrols across various parts of Bali. Head of the Bali Regional Office, Felucia Sengky Ratna, stated that the task force’s assembly serves as a moment to reinforce commitment to immigration law enforcement. She instructed officers to carry out supervision humanely but with firmness and proportionality.
The patrols are not conducted in isolation. Immigration officers are working closely with other relevant agencies and law enforcement bodies through the Regional Foreigner Monitoring Team (Timpora). Felucia noted that Timpora has provided positive contributions, including intelligence on foreigner violations and participation in joint operations across different areas.
Beyond optimising officer and Timpora performance, Felucia also called on the public to actively report any suspected violations by foreign nationals. Field officers are now equipped with an integrated digital data system to ensure document validation is fast, accurate, and humane, moving beyond conventional inspection methods.
Simultaneously, officers are visiting business operators and accommodation managers to educate them on their obligation to report the presence of foreigners via the APOA application. Immigration authorities stressed that the role of hotel, villa, and individual accommodation providers is crucial in maintaining regional security.
Under Article 72 of Law Number 6 of 2011 on Immigration, all owners or managers of lodging establishments are required to provide data and report the presence of foreign guests through the APOA system. Failure to comply, whether due to negligence or intent, complicates supervision and can result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment or fines. Authorities emphasised that these enforcement measures are not intended to restrict foreign tourists but to ensure that Bali’s tourism remains high-quality, safe, and respectful of local laws and customs.