Indonesian authorities are investigating reports that several luxury villas in Bali are being managed by two individuals identified as former soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). According to information reported on Thursday, 7 August 2025, the individuals include a man and a woman, with one of the names publicly identified as S. Gornen.
Gornen is known for his work in travel content creation and has been linked to the Instagram account @gonenvillasbali. The account previously promoted modern, tropical-style villas in Bali but, as of Thursday evening, all posts had been removed. The account now follows only nine other profiles. Despite the deletions, promotional images of the properties remain accessible through online search results.
Online Attention and Reported Identities
Public attention intensified following a social media post by the account @erlanishere on X (formerly Twitter) on 12 June 2025. The post, which discussed the allegations, has been viewed approximately 3.5 million times.
Reports indicate that the two Israeli nationals are using German identities and hold Indonesian investor visas (KITAS). There has been no official confirmation from immigration authorities regarding Gornen’s presence in the country. Unverified information suggests Gornen entered Indonesia as a registered German citizen and holds a KITAS valid until March 2026.
While in Bali, Gornen has reportedly been residing in the Pererenan area of Mengwi, Badung Regency, under the sponsorship of an Indonesian company that provides legal guarantees for his stay permit.
Immigration and Law Enforcement Response
Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto stated that 100 immigration officers have been deployed to strengthen oversight in Bali. He confirmed that one purpose of the increased presence is to investigate the alleged villa ownership by former IDF members.
“Currently, there are 100 Immigration officers reinforcing surveillance in Bali,” said Agus when met in the area of Pantai Indah Kapuk 2, Tangerang, Banten, on Friday, August 8, 2025.
Agus added that the move also responds to a request from Bali Governor I Wayan Koster. The strengthened measures aim to follow up on indications that two former Israeli military personnel have begun business activities on the island.
The Bali Regional Police have indicated readiness to act should any criminal or administrative violations of Indonesian law be discovered.
Status of the Investigation
Immigration authorities are continuing to verify the identities, legal documents, and business activities of the individuals in question. At present, there has been no official confirmation regarding Gornen’s exact location or current activities in Indonesia.
The investigation remains ongoing, with immigration officials focusing on both the legality of the stay permits and compliance with regulations related to foreign ownership and business operations.
“This is currently under investigation. The team is currently operating in the area,” said Agus at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on August 6, 2025, as quoted from Antara.
