Bali’s tourism crackdown: Severe penalties for overstaying visas

New laws have come into effect in Indonesia that could see tourists behaving badly hit with severe prison sentences.

Australian tourists who overstay their visas in Bali could now face even harsher penalties, including up to two decades to life behind bars, amid a targeted immigration crackdown.

Indonesia’s Department of Immigration has long taken a “zero tolerance” approach to foreign rule-breakers and now it has launched new laws aimed at visitors who blatantly overstay their visas by months – and sometimes even years – as part of Operation Jagratara.

The crackdown is happening all over Indonesia, however, there is a particular focus on the tourism hotspot of Bali, where visa-related rule breaking is rife among tourists.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan at sunrise, famous temple on the lake, Bedugul, Bali, Indonesia. Escape 10 December 2023 Cover story – gift guide. Picture: iStock

Top of the list is heavy new sanctions which will begin to be imposed as public deterrents.

Crimes previously punishable by six months to one years will now be punishable for a period of 10 years, while courts will have discretion to impose an additional period of up to 10 years.

The result is a maximum term of 20 years or life, serving as a stern warning to others.

The measures also include increased supervision of foreign nationals, with more immigration checkpoint officers, patrol officers and investigators, as well as more mobile taskforces.

More than one million Australians visit Bali each year. Picture: AFP

Operation Jagratara is designed to instil “a sense of fear” among foreign nationals who break the law, said Director General of Immigration Law and Human Rights Silmy Karim.

“Indonesia is a country that upholds the tourism sector, but comfort must be accompanied by order. We want foreign nationals who come to Indonesia to understand and follow the rules and norms that apply in this country,” he said, according to local newspaper Nusa Bali.

“We also try to ensure that those who come are quality tourists, through strengthening intelligence co-operation and information exchange with other countries.”

Heavy new sanctions could include 20 years behind bars. Picture: AFP

The rules won’t affect tourists who apply for temporary visas on arrival and either leave within the mandated 30-day period or lawfully extend their visa and leave within 60 days.

However, the government will be keeping a close eye on those who illegally overstay, as well as misuse of investor visas, which many foreign nationals use to avoid paying annual fees.

“In essence, we want to ensure that Indonesia is a comfortable destination for tourists and foreign investors who obey the rules,” said Mr Karim.

“[But] immigration supervision is expected to create a safe situation for the Indonesian people, especially from transnational crimes or foreigners who disturb public order.”

Originally published as Bali’s tourism crackdown: Severe penalties for overstaying visas