DENPASAR, Bali (BPN) – The activities of foreign nationals unlawfully taking jobs from local Balinese are increasingly concerning. Not only are they encroaching on micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) in Bali, but several foreign nationals have also establishing “development education centers.”
Worse, they are using a villa as venues for early childhood education, locally known as PAUD, classes, playgroups, and kindergartens.
Related to three foreign educators at Luminaris PAUD, who are using a villa for teaching, the Ngurah Rai Immigration office is continuously monitoring the situation.
“I just checked. Currently, they are under intensive examination. We might hold a press release next week if the investigation concludes,” said Alexander Maxwell, spokesperson for Ngurah Rai Immigration, on Saturday (September 7, 2024).
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno confirmed that many foreign activities in Bali have drawn public attention and concern.
He stated that numerous tourists cause problems and disturb the local community during their stay in Bali.
He firmly requested that tourists violating regulations and working outside their visa or work permits be strictly dealt with and deported to their home countries.
“They should be dealt with strictly and deported. We must be firm; violations of the law must be addressed according to existing regulations. Work permits or activities must align with tourist visas. We cannot signal a permissive attitude. We must be strict and impose clear legal sanctions,” said Minister Sandiaga after speaking at the MICE TO YOU event on Monday (September 2, 2024).
Through these firm and clear actions, Indonesia aims to convey a message to the global community that Bali is a dignified tourist destination.
“Enforcement and amplification or socialization. Deportation and prevention of re-entry. Those posing high risks must be discouraged from entering Bali, including those taking jobs from locals and UMKM,” he stated.
According to Sandiaga, strict actions and deportations have proven effective, with 250 individuals deported from a total of 6.5 million visitors to Bali. “If we look at it, this is quite effective. Strict action and deportation,” he emphasized.
The reckless behavior of foreign tourists has frustrated the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.
Minister Luhut highlighted the activities of foreigners taking jobs from locals and creating inappropriate nightlife venues. He noted that many tourists in Bali cause issues.
“There are around 200,000 foreign tourists in Bali. Many of them bring problems for Bali and the local community, ranging from environmental to cultural issues,” said Luhut during his speech at the Quality Tourism Conference 2024 on August 29, 2024.
Luhut revealed that many foreigners start businesses, taking jobs from locals. Luhut stated the government does not want to see foreigners replacing local jobs in Bali.
“Do not misunderstand this, as we do not want local jobs replaced by foreign tourists. We do not want to see this happen. We must also create prosperity for the Balinese people,” Luhut asserted.
