Jakarta: The Director General of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Silmy Karim, stated that he would take firm action against foreign tourists who disturb order and security in the Indonesian Territory. Silmy made this statement to follow up on recent reports from the public about foreign nationals' problematic behavior in several places, such as in Bali and East Java.
"I have given directions to carry out operations on immigration violations in Bali and several places where it is suspected that there are foreigners who are unsettling order and peace and disrupting the wheels of the community's economy," Silmy said during a working visit in Dubai on Tuesday (07/03 /2023).
The Indonesian government, explained Silmy, in principle, will only accept foreigners who benefit Indonesia.selective policyThis selective policy principle is a guideline for immigration officers to grant entry permits to foreigners who will work, travel, invest, or do other purposes as long as they provide benefits for Indonesia.
Silmy revealed that several foreign tourists had been deported since last week by immigration officials. He stated that the Directorate General of Immigration consistently enforced rules and prioritized humane principles. It is intended to maintain a good image of Indonesia from the perspective of foreign visitors.
"Many have been deported since last week; some of them have been deported for abusing their stay permits, overstaying, and some have finished serving their criminal sentences," he said. overstay.
In tracking foreigners who abuse their stay permits, Immigration involves and maximizes coordination with relevant stakeholder stakeholders, especially agencies that are members of the Foreigners Monitoring Team (TIMPORA). TIMPORA's duties and functions are stated in the Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights No. 50 of 2016
"We also urge Indonesian citizens not to intentionally and deliberately support foreigners whose activities violate immigration regulations. Anyone involved in this matter can be subject to sanctions based on the Immigration Law," he said.
Silmy explained, after being hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, Indonesia needed foreign tourists to get the local economy moving again. Therefore, the government also provides easy access for foreign tourists who wish to travel to Indonesia.
During January-February 2023, the Directorate General of Immigration carried out the deportation, detention, and entry prevention of 630 foreigners throughout Indonesia. They were subject to immigration administrative action for violating immigration regulations.
The public can report foreigners who disturb order or are suspected of doing activities not following their visa or stay permit via Live Chat at www.imigrasi.go.id (Monday-Friday 09.00-15.00 WIB) or Instagram/Twitter @ditjen_imigration. For people who are domiciled in Bali, you can report through the following immigration office contacts:
1. Denpasar Immigration Office : 0812-4618-3838
2. I Gusti Ngurah Rai Immigration Office: 0812-3695-6667
3. Singaraja Immigration Office : 0811-389-809