Skift Take
The intent of Bali’s crackdown on visa violations seems clear. However, its success will depend on how the government can maintain order while making sure that it doesn’t alienate the very tourists and investors it seeks to attract.
Foreign tourists overstaying their visa permits in Indonesia or engaging in illegal activities now risk facing prison sentences of up to 20 years.
Tourists overstaying their visa in Indonesia were previously subject to a maximum prison sentence of one year. In an amendment to the immigration laws, the prison sentence has now increased to 10 years, plus an additional 10 years, meaning a maximum of 20 years or life imprisonment. Silmy Karim, the directorate general of immigration for Indonesia, confirmed the update to the immigration laws.
Operation Jagratara launched by the Indonesian immigration department aims to preserve the country’s reputation as a safe destination while ensuring that foreign tourists do not violate the law.
However, this has also raised concerns about it