Indonesia deports 25 foreigners over illegal photography work

Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya said his ministry coordinated with the Immigration and Corrections Ministry after receiving reports from photography associations.

“Following reports from photography stakeholders, we contacted the ministry, which responded by deporting 25 illegal foreign photographers,” Harsya told reporters in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He said the complaints involved foreign nationals operating small photography studios in cities including Medan, Jakarta, Bali and Surabaya.

According to Harsya, the photographers offered lower prices while using competitive equipment and were mostly from China and several European countries.

He said they misused visas on arrival to conduct business activities without obtaining the required work permits.

“This does not mean we are closed to cooperation with foreign creative professionals. We remain open to collaboration with international partners,” Harsya said.

Immigration and Corrections Minister Agus Andrianto said similar visa misuse cases had also been found in sectors including vehicle rentals, investment activities and tour guide services.

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Translator: Fitra Ashari, Tegar Nurfitra