The case involving possible extortion in the processing of KITAS and KITAP permits in Bali has developed further. Indonesian MP for Bali Nyoman Parta has called for a “clean-up” of immigration offices following reports that residence permits may have been sold to foreigners.
In 2025, Bali welcomed around 6.9 million foreign tourists, issued 53,428 residence permits, and generated about IDR 1.5 trillion in immigration revenue. Against this backdrop, the MP believes the system should be transparent and protected from abuse.
Parta also linked weak oversight of foreigners to wider problems in Bali, including illegal work, fake investments, registering businesses or land under local nominees, and pressure on local businesses.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has also backed the investigation. He said proper regulation of foreign nationals is especially important for Bali as an international tourist destination.
The investigation is being conducted by Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission. It concerns the processing of residence permits for foreigners between 2022 and 2026. According to the commission, there are eight suspects in the case, and the alleged illegal payments amount to at least IDR 145.5 billion.
The commission is also examining incidents in Bali separately. It previously said that staff at the Ngurah Rai and Denpasar immigration offices may have demanded between IDR 100,000 and IDR 2.5 million per application for KITAS, KITAP and other documents. If the money was not paid, the processing could allegedly be delayed.
Visa agencies in Bali are involved in the case not as organisers of the scheme, but as possible victims of extortion.
Source: balipost.com
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