Colorful beach umbrellas and relaxed tourists on a sunny day at Kuta Beach, Bali, with lush greenery in the background.
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Indonesian immigration authorities have opened an investigation into a US citizen after a video showing him promoting a 5,400-square-meter plot of land in Kintamani, Bali, circulated widely on social media. Under Indonesian law, foreign nationals are barred from directly owning land, and the video drew public scrutiny over whether the promoted transaction was legal.
Denpasar Immigration Office chief R. Haryo Sakti identified the individual, referred to by the initials SR, as a holder of a temporary residence permit (KITAS) issued for investment purposes over the past two years. Authorities said the inquiry centers on whether SR’s activities violated the terms of that permit, particularly since he is registered under a different regional immigration jurisdiction than the one covering the land in question, in Bangli regency.
Officials have not yet specified the exact nature of the alleged violation, saying the investigation remains ongoing. SR has so far failed to appear for a scheduled interview after being summoned last week; immigration officials said they would issue a second summons if he continues to be unresponsive.
The case adds to a string of recent enforcement actions targeting foreign nationals in Bali and beyond, as Indonesian authorities face mounting public pressure to police land transactions and residence-permit compliance amid growing foreign investment interest on the island. It also underscores the legal risks facing foreigners who attempt to circumvent Indonesia’s land ownership restrictions through informal or online sales channels.
Source: The Jakarta Post
