DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – The practice of foreign nationals on tourist visas opening bank accounts in Bali has drawn attention from authorities, amid concerns it could be used to support business activities that do not comply with Indonesian regulations.
The Financial Services Authority (OJK) Bali confirmed that foreign nationals are allowed to open bank accounts in Indonesia, provided they meet administrative requirements and follow each bank’s procedures.
“In principle, foreign nationals can open bank accounts in Indonesia as long as they fulfill the applicable administrative requirements and procedures set by financial institutions,” said I Gusti Bagus Adi Wijaya, Head of Public Relations for OJK Bali, on Monday (March 23, 2026).
According to OJK, standard requirements typically include valid identification, immigration documents, and compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) procedures. These measures are intended to verify customer profiles and the purpose of account usage.
However, authorities emphasized that issues arise when such accounts are used for business activities by individuals holding only a visit visa. In such cases, the matter extends beyond banking compliance and involves investment laws and immigration regulations.
OJK noted that the use of bank accounts for business purposes must align with Indonesia’s investment laws and visa requirements. Opening an account itself is not a violation, but how the account is used must comply with applicable regulations.
A banking practitioner in Bali, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that accounts held by foreign nationals are subject to monitoring and reporting obligations under both national and international regulations. For example, United States citizens are required to provide their tax identification number, allowing authorities in their home country to track overseas accounts.
“Their tax identification number must be included. Authorities in their home country can monitor accounts held abroad, so this must be recorded and reported,” the source explained.
The source added that foreign account holders are more commonly found in tourism areas, although the number per bank branch remains relatively small. Customer data, including visa validity, must also be updated regularly.
Banks also maintain strict internal controls on data access. Frontline staff such as tellers are limited to handling transactions, while detailed account information is accessible only to authorized personnel.
In addition, certain financial transactions, particularly large cash movements or suspicious activity are subject to mandatory reporting to Indonesia’s Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK).
Immigration authorities reiterated that foreign nationals engaging in business activities in Bali must hold the appropriate residence permit, such as a KITAS.
“If a foreign national on a visit visa is found conducting business activities, immigration can take action, ranging from warnings to deportation,” said Husnan, Head of Information and Communication at Ngurah Rai Immigration Office.
For international visitors, the case highlights the importance of understanding the distinction between permitted financial access and restricted business activities under Indonesian law.