A parade in Benoa Harbor marked the start of a new series of immigration raids in Bali. The ceremony involved 125 officers, including investigators, patrol officers, and checkpoint staff, who will soon intensify efforts to monitor foreigners violating Indonesia's residency laws. This is part of Operation "Jagrathara," which has been ongoing throughout September.
The Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, addressed the officers, emphasizing that the main goal of the raids is to ensure that all foreigners comply with the country's laws. He also noted that the operation will continue until the end of the year and has already included surveillance of foreigners across Indonesia.
“Operation Jagrathara will continue until the end of the year. We have already conducted two operations monitoring foreigners across Indonesia,” Silmy stated.
He explained that the operation involves surveillance of foreigners, conducted simultaneously by immigration and law enforcement officials throughout Indonesia. This operation became especially urgent due to the increasing problems associated with the growing number of foreigners in Indonesia, particularly in the tourism and investment sectors.
“We need quality travelers,” repeated the Director General.
To prepare for the new phase of Operation Jagrathara, the Immigration Control and Law Enforcement Office ordered the opening of immigration offices across Indonesia. Officers who detect suspected violations can immediately take action against foreigners in accordance with the regulations.
To make it easier to identify illegal foreigners, the immigration department upgraded its officers. During a parade at the port, the central immigration office symbolically handed over 20 new patrol cars to the Bali office to improve the team's mobility.
“The distribution of immigration patrol cars is adjusted depending on the concentration of foreigners in each region. As infrastructure improves, immigration officers will be able to respond faster, and the range of operations they can carry out will be broader and more evenly distributed.”
Additionally, Bali's immigration officers will now be conducting raids with firearms. Silmy emphasized that the immigration department aims to make Indonesia a comfortable place for law-abiding foreign tourists and investors.
“We are confident that immigration control will create a safer situation for the Indonesian people, particularly against transnational crime and foreigners who disrupt public order,” he added.
Meanwhile, visa agencies reported that new raids have already begun in expat areas. Bali.Live recommends checking the validity of your visa and ensuring you are not engaging in activities that don't match your visa type. For example, even working on a computer could be considered a violation if you hold a tourist visa.
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