A New Zealand citizen, Andrew Joseph McLean (44), has been held at the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center (Rudenim) for approximately four months without certainty regarding his deportation schedule. McLean has requested legal clarity on his status after plans to return him to his home country were delayed due to an ongoing police investigation.
“Our client is not detained by the police, but by Immigration. However, Immigration cannot repatriate because there is a delay,” said Andre Joseph’s lawyer, Max Widi, on Wednesday (21/1/2026).
Andrew was secured by Immigration officers on 14 September 2025 over issues related to his stay permit. Following the enforcement action, Immigration authorities planned to deport him in November 2025. However, the plan could not be carried out as scheduled after a request for postponement was submitted by the police.
Deportation Delayed Due to Criminal Investigation
The postponement of Andrew’s deportation followed a formal request received by the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration from the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Badung Police. The request, issued under Letter Number B/3862/XI/Res.124./2025/Satreskrim and dated 25 November 2025, stated that police were still conducting an investigation into an alleged assault case.
According to the letter, the investigation concerns a suspected violation of Article 351 of the Indonesian Criminal Code. The case was reported by a woman identified by the initials NLS, who is known to be Andrew Joseph McLean’s partner.
The report related to the alleged assault was filed on 11 August 2025. As of now, according to a statement conveyed by Max Widi as a representative, there has been no clear progress in the legal process related to the report.
“Until today, there has been no police report, he has not been a suspect and there is no BAP. This is purely still at the stage of public complaints aka Dumas and this is suspended for four months,” he explained.
Andrew’s Mental Health Condition
In addition to legal and immigration matters, Andrew’s mental health condition has also drawn attention. According to Widi, Andrew is currently experiencing a mental health disorder and remains in a state of uncertainty while being held at the Denpasar Rudenim.
Based on a medical certificate issued by Prof Dr IGNG Ngoerah General Hospital, also known as Sanglah Hospital, Andrew has been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder, manic episode with psychotic symptoms, classified under diagnosis code F31.2. The medical assessment states that he still requires continued treatment and regular medication.
Statement from Denpasar Rudenim
Head of the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center, Teguh Mentalyadi, confirmed that Andrew’s deportation cannot proceed at this time as authorities are still awaiting clarification from the Badung Police regarding the ongoing case.
Teguh also confirmed Andrew’s mental health condition, stating that he has bipolar disorder and continues to take prescribed medication. He explained that Andrew’s condition can fluctuate, at times stable and at other times more extreme.
Awaiting Further Decision
As of now, Andrew Joseph McLean remains detained at the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center while awaiting legal certainty from the police investigation. Immigration authorities have stated that deportation can only be carried out once there is clear resolution or direction from the police regarding the case under investigation.
