BALI – The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office has detained 17 foreign nationals suspected of abusing their immigration permits to operate an online personal lending business in Dalung, North Kuta, Badung, Bali. The enforcement action was carried out during an independent immigration operation on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The 17 foreign nationals comprise 15 Malaysian citizens and two Singaporean citizens. According to preliminary findings, they were allegedly conducting business activities that did not correspond with the purposes of their respective stay permits.
Immigration officers suspect that the location in Dalung was being used as an operational base for an online personal lending business targeting foreign customers.
## Three Managers Allegedly Oversaw Online Lending Operations
Further examinations revealed that the operation allegedly involved three individuals acting as managers, while the remaining foreign nationals worked as administrative staff.
The group reportedly promoted its lending services through advertisements on Facebook, directing prospective customers to several WhatsApp numbers.
During the customer screening process, the group collected personal information, including employment details, salary slips, emergency contacts and other personal data.
Based on the preliminary examination, the business targeted foreign nationals. Immigration authorities have not found any Indonesian citizens among the customers identified so far.
## 17 Foreign Nationals Face Immigration Administrative Action
All 17 foreign nationals have been placed in immigration detention as part of administrative immigration measures.
The action was taken under Article 75(1) of Indonesia's Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration. The individuals are suspected of abusing their stay permits and providing false information when obtaining visas and residence permits.
Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, Muhamad Novyandri, said the operation reflected his office's commitment to enforcing immigration regulations in Bali.
He emphasized that immigration authorities would continue to take action against foreign nationals suspected of violating Indonesia's immigration regulations.
## Bali Immigration Strengthens Foreign National Monitoring
Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, Ramdhani, said surveillance of foreign nationals in Bali would continue to be strengthened through intensive and ongoing monitoring.
He stressed that supporting Bali's tourism industry must go hand in hand with law enforcement and compliance with immigration regulations.
“We fully support Bali's tourism industry, but we will not provide any room for foreign nationals who misuse their stay permits, violate the law or damage Bali's tourism image. We urge the public not to hesitate to report suspicious activities involving foreign nationals in their neighborhoods,” Ramdhani said.
The enforcement operation in Dalung, North Kuta, forms part of broader efforts by Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration to strengthen oversight of foreign nationals and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
Immigration authorities reiterated that foreign nationals staying in Bali must comply with the conditions of their visas and stay permits. Public participation in reporting suspicious activities is also considered important in maintaining security, public order and a safe environment across Bali.
