The Indonesian authorities issued a stern warning to foreigners who try to enter the country under the guise of being investors, but in fact engage in fraud or disrupt public order.
Following President Prabowo Subianto's recent international tour, significant funds are expected to flow into the country. We are talking about massive investments — around $5.7 billion (approximately 90 trillion rupiahs). These funds should help transform Indonesia into a global hub. Plans include building more than 1,500 fishing vessels, creating jobs for nearly 600,000 people.
Additionally, a cooperation agreement has been signed with 24 leading universities in the UK for the training of medical professionals and engineers.
It is evident that a wave of foreigners will follow the money into the country. However, they will not welcome everyone, according to the authorities. The Indonesian Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, stated that the 'investor' status will no longer be a convenient loophole for those who simply want to live in Bali or Jakarta without clear purposes. He instructed his subordinates to act strictly:
“Do not allow foreigners to use investor status as a cover for activities that disrupt order. We have already recorded such cases in several regions.”
The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has already promised that genuine guests will not face problems, and immigration procedures for them will be expedited. However, foreigners involved in fictitious investment schemes face immediate deportation and a 10-year entry ban to Indonesia.
Meanwhile, a large-scale inspection of foreign companies (PMA) is ongoing in Bali, which has revealed over 600 organizations operating in small business niches without the necessary permits. Typical island businesses such as bike rentals, beauty salons, and retail, which should formally be owned by locals, are under scrutiny. Regulators' main concern is that many businesses start operations without waiting for environmental assessments and construction permits, often using local community support as a cover.
Moreover, the authorities are acting more decisively than before. Announcements have already been made about the closure of several major companies, including paddle courts in Canggu and a popular Indian café in Seminyak.
Sources: ANTARA, MetroTVnews
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