The expulsion of a foreign national for removing official boundary lines underscores Bali’s firm stance on legal compliance for all residents, regardless of origin.
DENPASAR, Bali — Indonesian immigration authorities have deported a 56-year-old South Korean national from Bali for willfully removing official boundary markers placed by local public order officials. The case, which culminated in the man’s flight to Incheon on Monday night, January 26, 2026, serves as a stark reminder of the non-negotiable requirement for all foreign residents to adhere to local laws and administrative protocols.
The man, identified by his initials CHK, was found to have violated Badung Regency Regional Regulation (Perda) No. 7 of 2016 concerning Public Order and Community Peace. According to a press statement from the Ngurah Rai Special Class I Immigration Office obtained by detikBali, CHK removed the “Satpol PP line”—markers installed by the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) on plots of land where activity had been officially halted in the Kampial Traditional Village, South Kuta.
“We do not tolerate foreigners who do not comply with the rules,” stated Winarko, Head of the Ngurah Rai Special Class I Immigration Office. “This deportation is a tangible form of law enforcement to maintain order and security in Bali.”
Swift Inter-Agency Action and Consequences
The enforcement action was a collaborative effort by the multi-agency Foreigner Supervision Team (TIMPORA). It began with a report from the Badung Satpol PP, which was then acted upon by the Immigration Intelligence and Enforcement Division at Ngurah Rai.
The consequences for CHK were severe and immediate. Beyond deportation via Jeju Air, his Limited Stay Permit (ITAS), valid until August 2026, was officially revoked. Immigration authorities have also recommended his name be placed on a national prevention list, effectively barring his re-entry to Indonesia for a significant period.
A Clear Message to the International Community
For Bali’s large and diverse community of expatriates, long-term visitors, and foreign investors, this incident carries a clear, unequivocal message. While Bali is celebrated for its hospitality, the authorities maintain a firm and structured approach to upholding local regulations, particularly those concerning land use and public order.
The case highlights that holding a valid residence permit is a privilege contingent upon ongoing compliance. Actions perceived as disregarding or challenging local administrative authority—especially those involving physical interference with official markers—can trigger swift and serious immigration consequences, irrespective of the perpetrator’s nationality or length of stay.
Upholding Order in a Global Hub
The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office emphasized its ongoing commitment to such enforcement. “Ngurah Rai Immigration will continue to synergize with related agencies to ensure every foreigner in Bali provides benefits and always submits to the laws applicable in Indonesia,” Winarko added.
This deportation illustrates the operational reality behind Bali’s welcome: a framework of rules that applies equally to all, designed to preserve social harmony and legal order in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
