Denpasar. Indonesian immigration authorities in Bali have detained 62 foreign nationals during a sweeping enforcement operation targeting visa violations and illegal activities, officials said.

The operation, dubbed “Dharma Dewata Patrol,” was carried out over 20 days across key tourism areas, including Denpasar and Singaraja, within the jurisdiction of Ngurah Rai Immigration.

A joint immigration task force conducted intensive inspections over the past two weeks, uncovering a range of violations such as visa overstays, misuse of residence permits, and involvement in unauthorized work and business activities.

Authorities said some individuals were found using falsified visa data, while others were linked to unlicensed employment and fictitious investment schemes that could harm the local economy.

Felucia Sengky Ratna, head of the Bali regional immigration office, said the operation aims to safeguard the integrity of Bali’s tourism sector.

“We want to ensure that only foreigners who contribute positively and respect local values are allowed to stay in Bali,” she said.

Felucia said that most violations fall under Article 75 of Indonesia’s Immigration Law, which allows authorities to impose administrative sanctions on foreigners deemed to disrupt public order or violate regulations.

She added that economic motives are often behind such violations. While first-time visitors tend to comply with rules, repeat visitors are more likely to exploit opportunities for illegal activities.

“All 62 foreign nationals are undergoing further investigation. If their violations are limited to immigration offenses, they will be subject to administrative sanctions, including deportation,” she said.

Cases involving potential criminal elements will be escalated in coordination with other law enforcement agencies.

Immigration authorities said they would not tolerate foreign nationals who disregard Indonesian law, adding that all cases are being processed in accordance with standard procedures to ensure timely resolution.

Officials also urged the public to report suspicious activities involving foreigners through official complaint channels as part of efforts to maintain order and protect Bali’s tourism-driven economy.

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