The Indonesian government has increased the prison sentence for foreign tourists who overstay their visas or engage in illegal activities to up to 20 years, in an effort to crack down on visa violations. Operation Jagratara, launched by the Immigration department, aims to maintain the country’s reputation as a safe destination by enforcing immigration laws. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of this crackdown on tourism, especially in popular destinations like Bali.
Operation Jagratara is a nationwide initiative with Bali as a focal point, involving heightened surveillance, immigration checkpoints, and a zero-tolerance approach towards violators. The operation includes patrol teams equipped with new vehicles conducting checks across tourist areas like Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud. The aim is to ensure that all foreigners in Indonesia comply with immigration regulations and prevent any legal violations while maintaining a positive image as a tourist and investment destination.
The focus on Bali is due to the high number of deportations for visa violations, illegal work, and criminal activities. Authorities deported 417 foreigners in the first eight months of the year, significantly more than the total number deported last year. Bali Immigration has been cracking down on violators, including arresting 103 foreigners involved in a cybercrime ring in June. The Indonesian government has also implemented a tourist levy to combat overtourism concerns, with the funds going towards cultural and environmental preservation efforts.
In addition to the crackdown on visa violations, Bali is also considering a two-year ban on the construction of new hotels and clubs to slow down the influx of tourists and preserve the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Foreign tourist arrivals have increased significantly, with 4.4 million visitors arriving in Bali in the first eight months of 2024, compared to 3.6 million in the same period last year. The government is aiming to balance the growth in tourism with the need to protect Bali’s environment and culture.
The third phase of Operation Jagratara includes increased intelligence cooperation and information exchange with other countries to identify visa misuse. Authorities are urging local residents to report any suspicious foreign activities through a dedicated hotline to ensure compliance with immigration regulations. Bali’s crackdown on visa violations is part of a broader effort to maintain law and order while attracting tourists and investors. The success of these measures will depend on how the government can balance enforcement with the need to maintain a positive image and preserve Bali’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
