Indonesia has introduced stricter penalties for foreign tourists overstaying their visas or engaging in illegal activities, with offenders now facing prison sentences of up to 20 years. This new regulation marks a significant shift from the previous maximum penalty of one year for visa violations, aiming to reinforce immigration laws and maintain Indonesia’s image as a safe and lawful travel destination.
Silmy Karim, the Directorate General of Immigration for Indonesia, confirmed the updates to the country’s immigration laws. Under the revised regulations, violators can face up to 10 years in prison, with an additional 10 years or life imprisonment for more severe cases. The updated penalties are part of a broader initiative known as Operation Jagratara, which seeks to ensure that foreign visitors comply with local laws while preserving Indonesia’s reputation as a top tourist destination.
Operation Jagratara: Enforcing Immigration Laws
Operation Jagratara, a nationwide crackdown led by Indonesia’s immigration department, has placed a particular focus on Bali, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The operation includes intensified surveillance, frequent immigration checkpoints, and a zero-tolerance policy toward violators. Patrol teams, armed with new vehicles, are conducting spot checks in key tourist areas such as Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud to identify tourists violating immigration rules.
In a statement released on social media, the Indonesian Immigration Department emphasized the goals of Operation Jagratara. “This initiative ensures that all foreigners in Indonesia comply with immigration regulations. It aims to create a safe environment and maintain Indonesia’s positive image as an attractive tourist and investment destination,” the statement read.
Bali at the Center of the Crackdown
Bali has been at the center of the crackdown due to its high volume of foreign visitors. From January to August 2024, Bali Immigration reported the deportation of 417 foreigners, a significant increase from 335 deportations during the entirety of 2023. The majority of these cases involved tourists overstaying their visas or engaging in illegal work. One notable case in June 2024 saw the arrest of 103 foreigners operating a cybercrime ring out of a villa in Tabanan Regency, highlighting growing concerns about criminal activity among foreign nationals.
Addressing Overtourism in Bali
In addition to addressing visa violations, Bali has been grappling with overtourism. Earlier this year, the Indonesian government introduced a “tourist levy” of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately $10) for foreign visitors, payable upon arrival at the airport. The funds generated by this tax are intended to support cultural and environmental preservation efforts, as well as infrastructure improvements in Bali. Indonesian Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno had previously warned that areas of southern Bali were at risk of suffering from overtourism.
To combat this, Bali is considering a two-year moratorium on the construction of new hotels and clubs. The proposed ban aims to slow the influx of tourists and alleviate the pressure on Bali’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, which have been impacted by the rapid growth in visitors.
Final Thoughts
Despite these challenges, Bali continues to attract a large number of foreign tourists. According to the immigration department, foreign tourist arrivals increased by nearly 23% in the first eight months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. A total of 4.4 million foreign visitors arrived in Bali between January and August 2024, up from 3.6 million in 2023.
As Bali works to balance tourism growth with sustainability and safety, these stricter immigration measures serve as a reminder to foreign tourists that respecting local laws is now more critical than ever.