If You Suddenly Get New Followers from Indonesia, Don’t Celebrate Just Yet
If you notice an influx of new followers from Indonesia on your social media, don’t rush to rejoice—especially if you use Instagram to promote your services or earn money. Your account may have simply caught the attention of a new division created by the Ngurah Rai Immigration Bureau.
Starting in early November, a special cyber team has been actively monitoring the social media activity of foreigners, focusing particularly on the misuse of tourist visas. So far, four violations have been detected, leading to the deportation of 10 foreigners.
Ngurah Rai Immigration Chief Suhendra shared the success of the new division with journalists:
“Monitoring of foreigners must be proactive. Immigration officers will be able to identify potential violations in advance through social media and news.”
According to Suhendra, the cyber group is tasked with identifying and analyzing the activities of foreigners that could threaten public safety and comfort in Bali and Indonesia. The team will also compile periodic reports and collaborate with other departments.
To be fair, immigration officials have previously used social media to track lawbreakers. Many deportations were triggered by foreigners advertising their services on Instagram or Telegram chats, where undercover officers posed as clients.
While it’s unclear just how intensified this new monitoring will be, expats using social media to promote illegal activities have already begun to feel the heat.
Beyond Illegal Work: Other Offenses Under Scrutiny
The cyber team isn’t just targeting illegal workers. They’re also watching for violations like:
• Drunk driving
• Theft
• Providing sex services, including indirect ones
• Drug distribution
Additionally, sexualized content is strictly banned in Indonesia and will also come under heavy scrutiny.
If you’re active on social media, be cautious. Even something as seemingly harmless as barter-based advertising or selling online services (like a yoga video course) can attract the attention of immigration officers.
Unfortunately, once you’re under suspicion, it’s nearly impossible to defend yourself. The deportation process for visa violations does not involve court hearings, lawyers, or appeals. Decisions are typically made unilaterally.
Best-Case and Worst-Case Scenarios
• Best case: You’ll be allowed to immediately purchase a ticket back to your home country.
• Worst case: You’ll be detained in the immigration detention center located inside the immigration office. You could spend 3-4 weeks there while bureaucratic procedures are processed.
The Bottom Line: If you’re an expat in Bali, tread carefully on social media. What seems like harmless promotion or content could land you in hot water—literally overnight.
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