GIANYAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Sayan Village in Ubud has been officially designated as an Immigration Assisted Village, marking a coordinated effort between local authorities and immigration officials to strengthen monitoring of foreign nationals in the area.
The program was launched on Wednesday (April 22, 2026) at the Sabha Darma Adhyaksa meeting hall, attended by representatives from the Directorate General of Immigration, Bali Regional Immigration Office, and local village authorities.
Acting Village Head Jro Mangku Ketut Gede Kesumawijaya said the initiative aims to improve early detection and prevention of potential legal violations involving foreign residents, as mobility in the area continues to increase.
“Through this program, the village is expected to take an active role in monitoring and reporting foreign nationals’ activities, helping prevent potential violations at an early stage,” he said.
Immigration officials outlined several key areas of concern, including general crimes such as theft, fraud, and violence involving foreign nationals, as well as transnational crimes like drug trafficking, human trafficking, smuggling, and cybercrime.
Activities that may pose risks to national security, including illegal political activity and espionage, are also part of the monitoring scope. Authorities also highlighted the importance of handling asylum seekers and undocumented migrants who do not yet have clear legal status.
From a socio-economic perspective, officials warned of potential risks such as unfair business competition, exploitation, and fraud that could impact local communities if not properly supervised.
Cultural considerations were also emphasized, with authorities noting that behavior inconsistent with local customs could disrupt social harmony, particularly in tourism-focused areas like Sayan.
“Health risks are also a concern, especially related to the potential spread of infectious diseases from individuals without proper health documentation,” Kesumawijaya added.
To address these issues, immigration authorities plan to conduct routine monitoring and enforcement operations. Administrative immigration measures may include fines, permit revocation, detention, deportation, and re-entry bans for violators.
Officials expressed hope that the collaboration will position Sayan Village as a model for balanced tourism development, ensuring both public order and the protection of local community interests.