Immigration Ministry deports 25 illegal foreign photographers
The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has deported 25 foreign nationals who misused their residence permits by carrying out commercial activities as photographers and videographers in Indonesia.
Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto stated in Jakarta on Tuesday that law enforcement against the misuse of residence permits is part of the state’s effort to protect the public and national businesses from detrimental practices.
“We are grateful for the information provided by the Ministry of Creative Economy and stakeholders. Protecting Indonesian citizens from foreigners who abuse the purpose of their arrival is part of our duties and responsibilities,” Agus said.
The deportation of the 25 foreign nationals represents the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding state sovereignty and enforcing immigration law. They were proven to have misused residence permits and visa on arrival (VoA) facilities to conduct commercial activities in the photography and videography sector on Tuesday, 9 June.
The action followed immigration surveillance results and reports submitted by various stakeholders in the creative economy sector, including national professional photography associations. Based on examination results, the foreign nationals were found to be running photography businesses and services without holding the appropriate residence permits.
The former Deputy Chief of the Indonesian National Police explained that Indonesia remains open to international collaboration and the presence of foreign professionals working legally in accordance with legal provisions.
“They must enter with a sponsor, unless they are coming individually. If they indeed misuse their arrival by using a visa on arrival and then work, that is the object of our action,” Agus stressed.
The Ministry noted that the modus operandi of VoA misuse is still found in various sectors, including the creative economy. Agus emphasised that the VoA facility provided by the government to support ease of travel to Indonesia cannot be used for work activities or to earn income without a valid permit.
“Therefore, we are ready to continue collaborating in providing protection to domestic creative business players,” Agus said.
From the creative economy side, appreciation was expressed for the ministry’s responsiveness under the Directorate General of Immigration. The meeting between the Minister of Immigration and the Minister of Creative Economy resulted in an agreement for both parties to strengthen coordination in monitoring the activities of foreigners in the creative economy sector, including photography, film, animation, music, and other creative sub-sectors.
Strengthened monitoring will be carried out through optimising the Foreigner Surveillance Team (Timpora), information exchange, and increased public participation in reporting suspected immigration violations. The Ministry also invited the public to play an active role in monitoring foreigners by reporting any suspected misuse of residence permits through available complaint channels and immigration surveillance services.
In addition to discussing strengthened immigration supervision, the meeting also produced a commitment to cooperate in developing rehabilitation 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.
The Ministry also expressed readiness to support the organisation 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.
Going forward, the Ministry will continue to enhance immigration surveillance adaptively, professionally, and collaboratively to ensure that the presence and activities of foreigners in Indonesia provide benefits and do not harm national interests or the Indonesian public.