
Indonesia has updated its immigration policy with stricter visa rules that could affect lifestyle influencers and travel content creators. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs DFAT has advised travelers to understand their visa conditions, stating it is illegal to work, conduct research, or volunteer on a tourist visa. This includes creating or posting online content for payment or commercial purposes, even if published after leaving Indonesia. Indonesian Immigration clarified that 'unpaid activity' can be considered an immigration violation if it does not align with the visa's purpose, focusing on the purpose of stay, type of activity, and potential economic value. Examples include offering professional services like make-up artistry or photography, commercial promotions, and creating social media content for business. Work-like activities with benefits, even if unpaid, are not permitted on a tourist visa. Foreign nationals engaging in activities involving work, service, promotion, or economic benefit must apply for an appropriate visa, such as a work permit, investment visa, business visa, volunteer visa, or artists and performers visa.
This summary was generated from a story originally published by Bali news.
Must readUS military prosecutors have updated families of victims of the 2002 Bali bombings on the legal case against Encep "Hambali" Nurjaman, who is accused of leading the terror group behind the attack. Prosecutors indicated the trial could begin in June 2027, though the start date has been repeatedly postponed. They intend to seek 202 life sentences, one for each person killed in the bombings, to be served at Guantanamo Bay. Depositions from four Singaporeans and statements from co-conspirators Mohammed Farik bin Amin and Mohammed Nazir bin Lep, along with police statements from convicted Australian terrorist Jack Roche, will form key parts of the case. Some victims' relatives and human rights advocates express doubt the trial will proceed due to years of setbacks and concerns about the CIA's use of torture to obtain information. Hambali, captured in 2003, was part of the CIA's "rendition and interrogation" program before being transferred to Guantanamo Bay. His lead defense lawyer, Lieutenant Todd Fanniff, noted unresolved disputes over evidence linked to Hambali's time in CIA detention and described the case as "uncharted territory," with no plea deal offers being negotiated.
Must readBali is launching a series of pop-up immigration and public service booths, starting with an event at Kuta Beach on July 6, 2026. This initiative, part of the 2026 Public Service Bazaar series, aims to make government services more accessible to tourists and residents. The kickoff event included a beach cleanup and baby turtle release, attended by officials such as Regent of Badung Wayan Adi Arnawa, Deputy Regent Bagus Alit Sucipta, Badung Regional People’s Representative Council Speaker I Gusti Anom Gumanti, Bali High Prosecutor’s Office Head Setiawan Budi Cahyono, and Bali Governor Wayan Koster. The integrated service bazaars will offer various services including population administration, police assistance, immigration, free legal consultations, health services, BPJS Health, banking, evidence return, and payment of traffic fines. These pop-ups are intended to restore tourist confidence and will expand to other locations, including shopping malls, across the island. The first integrated service bazaar is located at the Baruna Disaster Shelter at Kuta Beach.
Must readTransNusa has expanded its network by launching a new international route between Jakarta and Bangkok, with fares starting from USD167.54. The airline also introduced Indonesia’s first direct scheduled flights between Bali and Wakatobi, starting from USD103.30, and a new domestic route connecting Bali with Waingapu, with fares from USD75.36. The Jakarta to Bangkok service will operate two daily flights using a 174-seat Airbus A320. The Bali to Wakatobi route will run three times a week, and the Bali to Waingapu service four times a week, both utilizing a 95-seat COMAC C909. Datuk Bernard Francis, Group Chief Executive Officer of TransNusa, stated that this expansion aims to strengthen both the airline’s international and domestic networks, improve accessibility across Southeast Asia, and support trade and tourism.