DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Indonesian immigration authorities in Bali conducted a targeted patrol operation on Friday (April 17, 2026), resulting in the detention of four foreign nationals suspected of misusing their stay permits.
The operation, part of the “Dharma Dewata” immigration patrol initiative, was carried out by the Denpasar Class I Immigration Office following earlier coordination at the regional level on April 15. The patrol focused on monitoring the presence and activities of foreign nationals across key areas in Denpasar.
Acting on intelligence reports of suspicious activity involving foreign nationals, officers inspected a guesthouse located on Jalan Pandu. A thorough check of the premises identified several foreign nationals staying at the property.
During the inspection, four individuals were found to be uncooperative with authorities. Further document verification revealed that all four were Nigerian nationals with varying immigration statuses, including investor stay permits and visit permits.
According to immigration records:
- One individual entered Indonesia in 2018 using an investor stay permit
- Another arrived in 2025 under a visit stay permit
- One entered in early 2026 with a converted investor permit
- Another had been in Indonesia since 2025 under an investor stay permit
All four individuals were taken into custody and transferred to the Denpasar Immigration Office for further investigation on suspicion of violating the terms of their stay permits.
Head of the Denpasar Immigration Office, R. Haryo Sakti, stated that the patrol reflects ongoing efforts to maintain public order and community safety in Bali.
“We are not only conducting document checks, but also encouraging business operators to actively report the presence of foreign nationals in their environment,” he said.
He emphasized that cooperation between immigration authorities and local businesses plays a critical role in effective monitoring.
“Synergy between Immigration and business operators is key to ensuring optimal supervision,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, Felucia Sengky Ratna, described the “Dharma Dewata” patrol as part of a broader commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty while supporting a safe and orderly tourism environment in Bali.
For international visitors and expatriates, the operation highlights Indonesia’s ongoing enforcement of immigration regulations, particularly regarding the proper use of visas and stay permits.