DENPASAR, Bali — Indonesian immigration authorities have deported six foreign nationals from Bali following a series of public-order offenses and immigration violations, in what officials describe as part of a broader effort to protect public safety and uphold the integrity of the island’s tourism industry.
The deportations were carried out over three days, from June 10 to June 12, through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, according to the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center (Rudenim).
The six individuals included one citizen of New Zealand, one Canadian national, and four Indian nationals. Authorities said the cases ranged from violent disturbances and property damage to visa overstays that lasted for weeks or even months.
“This repatriation process was conducted in stages over three days,” said Teguh Mentalyadi, Head of the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center, in a statement released on June 17. “The enforcement action was initiated following reports from local communities and police regarding behavior that disturbed public order and negatively affected Bali’s tourism environment.”
Two of the deportees were removed not because of immigration violations, but because authorities deemed their actions a threat to public safety.
One of them, a 51-year-old Canadian identified by the initials FRP, was reported to have damaged property during an incident in Buleleng Regency in early May. Although his Indonesian residence permit remained valid, immigration authorities proceeded with deportation after determining that his conduct posed a risk to the community.
“Even though his stay permit was still valid, he was deported because he was considered a danger to public security,” Teguh said.
A similar decision was taken against SSP, a 29-year-old Indian national who was detained after allegedly causing a disturbance at a hotel in Ubud. Authorities said he damaged hotel facilities and refused to pay outstanding food and laundry bills.
The remaining four cases involved immigration violations.
A 54-year-old New Zealand citizen identified as RNB was found to have overstayed her visa by 56 days. According to immigration officials, she claimed she was unaware that her visa had expired.
Meanwhile, three Indian nationals identified as SS (27), GS (21), and BS (32) were apprehended at a hotel in Kuta. Authorities said SS had overstayed by 70 days, while GS and BS had each remained in Indonesia 30 days beyond their permitted stay.
All six individuals were sanctioned under Articles 75 and 78 of Indonesia’s Immigration Law No. 6 of 2011, which grants authorities the power to deport foreign nationals who violate immigration regulations or are deemed to threaten public order.
Beyond deportation, the individuals may also face re-entry bans ranging from five years to lifetime blacklisting, depending on the severity of their offenses and any future security assessments.
The latest enforcement action comes as Bali continues to balance its reputation as one of Asia’s most welcoming tourism destinations with growing calls for stricter oversight of foreign visitors who violate local laws.
Bali remains heavily dependent on international tourism, but officials have repeatedly stressed that visitors are expected to respect Indonesian laws, local customs, and community standards.
“We will not tolerate any form of violation, whether immigration-related or actions that disturb public order, by foreign nationals in Bali,” Teguh said. “This firm action reflects our commitment to protecting public security, public comfort, and the dignity of the nation.”
The deportations send a clear signal that while Bali remains open to the world, authorities are increasingly willing to take decisive action against visitors who abuse that welcome.
