Bali immigration detains 13 foreign nationals over suspected prostitution

Indonesian immigration authorities detained 13 foreign nationals, comprising 12 women and one man, during a joint operation targeting suspected prostitution activities in Bali. The operation, led by Muhamad Novyandri, head of Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, took place in Canggu, Seminyak, and Umalas on September 17, 2026. In Canggu, a Russian woman IP was detained for allegedly misusing her residence permit as a sex worker booked via WhatsApp, and a Ukrainian man OG with an expired investor limited-stay permit was detained for allegedly facilitating these activities. In Seminyak, three Nigerian women were detained for overstaying their internship-program visit permits by 58, 94, and 134 days, respectively. In Umalas, four women three Russian, one Kazakh and four Nigerian women were detained for allegedly misusing their residence permits. The operation followed public information and involved field investigations, undercover methods, and online platform verification. The 13 foreign nationals are undergoing questioning at the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office and are suspected of violating Article 75 of Indonesia's 2011 Immigration Law, facing potential deportation, a five-year re-entry ban, and criminal proceedings. Ramdhani, head of Bali's Immigration Directorate General regional office, stated this action monitors foreign nationals' activities to prevent misuse of permits and damage to Bali's tourism image.