Bali, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesian immigration authorities have arrest 520 foreign nationals suspected of misusing investor visas to illegally work and operate businesses in Bali.
The crackdown followed Operation Wira Waspada, conducted in two phases from January 14-17, and February 17-21, 2025. The investigation was based on data from Indonesia’s Foreign Investment Companies (PMA) registry under the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).
Acting Director General of Immigration, Saffar Muhammad Godam, stated that the foreign nationals have been subjected to administrative immigration measures in the form of deportation. From the total of 520 foreign nationals, 63 have already been deported, 111 are set for deportation, and 346 remain are still undergoing screening and may face similar administrative immigration measures.
“The majority of them are from China, Russia, Pakistan, India, and Australia, mainly involved in trade and consulting businesses,” Godam stated during a press conference at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali on Friday (February 21, 2025), as reported by Kompas.
Illegal Business Operations and Revoked Permits
Immigration Authorities carried the operation by targeting PMA companies in Bali whose Business Identification Numbers (NIB) had been revoked by the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM.
BKPM revoked these NIBs because the firms failed to meet the required minimum investment of Rp10 billion ($640,000), as mandated by Indonesia’s 2007 Limited Liability Company Law.
“Their licenses were revoked because they failed to fulfill the minimum investment requirement, meaning the expected capital inflow to Indonesia never materialized,” Godam explained.
Authorities found foreign investment companies whose Business Identification Number (NIB) was revoked on November 1, 2024 or considered problematic, yet continued operations and served as visa sponsors for hundreds of foreign nationals.
Detail of the Crackdown
During the first phase of the operation, authorities inspected 267 foreign investment companies (PMA) and discovered 74 PMA firms still operating and sponsoring 126 foreign nationals. The Directorate General of Immigration has deported and blacklisted 15 foreign nationals as part of administrative immigration measures, with similar actions planned for 111 others.
Meanwhile, in the second phase of the operation, authorities apprehended 186 foreign nationals sponsored by 86 problematic PMA companies. These individuals are currently undergoing further investigation.
Additionally, authorities detained 208 foreigners sponsored by 43 suspected fake companies. Of these, 48 have been deported, while the remaining cases are still being reviewed. The BKPM is also currently investigating the legality of these 43 companies.
“We are investigating these businesses further. If we find falsified documents, we will pursue legal action under Indonesia’s Criminal Code (KUHP) for document forgery,” said Brigadier General Yuldi Yusman, Director of Immigration Supervision and Enforcement, as reported by Kumparan.
The Immigrations Authorities are currently undergoing further examination into the scheme were foreign nationals sponsored by PMA companies found to be problematic in Bali.
Foreigners Found Working Illegally
During the crackdown, Director of Region V at the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM, Ady Sugiharto found that foreign nationals who held investor visas were found illegally working or set up a businesses that did not meet legal requirements.
“During our field inspections, we found some businesses operating out of temporary offices, while others had no physical presence at all. Even the supposed office owners were untraceable. It is now up to immigration authorities to locate them,” Sugiharto stated.
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All these businesses have been shut down, though owners may reopen if they increase their investment to meet legal requirements. While these foreigners technically met administrative requirements to register a business, they failed to follow through with real investments.
As Immigration authorities continues its effort on cracking down illegal business run by foreign national in Bali, this case has leading to an estimated Rp1.6 trillion ($102 million) in potential lost foreign investment for Indonesia.
(Raidi/Agung)
