Some 25 foreigners deported for engaging in commercial photography
Immigration and Corrections Minister Agus Andrianto, in a statement here on Tuesday, said enforcement against residence permit violations is part of government efforts to protect the public and national businesses from harmful practices.
“We thank the Ministry of Creative Economy and stakeholders for the information provided. Protecting Indonesians from foreigners who misuse their entry purpose is part of our duties,” Andrianto said.
The deportation reflects the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding sovereignty and enforcing immigration law.
The 25 foreign nationals were found to have misused residence permits and visa on arrival (VoA) to conduct commercial photography and videography activities on Tuesday (June 9).
The action followed immigration monitoring and reports from creative economy stakeholders, including photography associations.
The individuals were found operating photography services without appropriate permits.
Andrianto said Indonesia is open to international cooperation and foreign professionals working legally under regulations. However, he stressed, all foreign workers must have valid permits and documents.
“They must enter with a sponsor, except individuals. If they misuse VoA and work, that becomes our enforcement target,” he said.
He mentioned that cases of VoA abuse are still found in various sectors, including the creative economy.
He emphasized that VoA cannot be used for work activities or to earn income without proper authorization.
On the same occasion, Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya praised immigration’s quick response to reports of illegal foreign photographers and called for continued monitoring across subsectors such as film, animation, and music.
Both ministries agreed to strengthen coordination in supervising foreign nationals in creative industries through the Foreigners Supervision Team (Timpora), information sharing, and public reporting mechanisms.
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Translator: Laily, Kenzu