Immigration DG: Foreign nationals barred from organising events in Indonesia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko has affirmed that foreign nationals (WNA) are barred from serving as event organisers in Indonesia, as such activity does not comply with prevailing immigration regulations.

Speaking in Jakarta on Friday, Hendarsam said foreign nationals are only permitted to be involved as crew or official team members in events featuring international performers or artists.

According to him, every activity involving foreign nationals must be carried out in accordance with Indonesian law, without leaving room for practices that violate immigration rules.

“Foreigners must not act as though they can make their own rules and exclusivity within Indonesia’s jurisdiction,” he said.

As a follow-up to the suspected violation, the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office has summoned the sponsor of the two foreign nationals, PT SIG, to explain their activities while in Indonesia and whether these matched the residence permits they held.

Hendarsam said that if the sponsor is proven to have breached immigration provisions, legal proceedings will be pursued in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations.

Previously, the Directorate General of Immigration took prevention measures against two Dutch nationals alleged to have organised a running event staged by Entourage Bali.

They are identified by the initials JAS (35), holder of a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) for work, and HQV (37), holder of an investor ITAS.

The two left Indonesia on Wednesday (23/7) via I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport for Singapore aboard a KLM flight, and both have been placed on the immigration prevention list.

Hendarsam stressed that the immigration function is not only to serve foreigners, but also to maintain public order, guarantee legal certainty, and protect the public interest from any violation of immigration rules.