A clip depicting a foreign male selling sunglasses, clothes, and sandals on the bustling sidewalk of Kuta Beach in Badung has gone viral, igniting a debate among netizens.
The man, donning a white headband, a white t-shirt, and a black sarong, has been in the spotlight after the footage was uploaded yesterday by the Instagram account @kutaselatan.news.
Carrying a bag filled with his merchandise, the man swiftly caught the attention of passersby. He told the man recording the video that he is from Russia.
The video caption says that the foreigner seemed to be desperate for money based on his appearance.
Nonetheless, the viral post triggered a wave of responses from netizens, with many expressing outright condemnation and calling for the foreigner’s deportation, while a few sympathized with his situation.
“This is still not justifiable and it’s a violation whatever his background is. He must be dealt with, or returned to his embassy. That’s what they would do to Indonesians abroad,” one user remarked.
“He really looks desperate,” another user said, offering sympathy to the foreigner.
“It’s a sad situation… but if we let this be then more [like him] will come.”
Made Karma, a member of the Kuta Traditional Village Operational Team, said that they have not received any official reports regarding a Russian foreigner engaged in roadside commerce.
“If it’s true, then related authorities will handle it. But, so far there is no report yet,” he told DetikBali.
Bali Police spokesman Stefanus Satake Bayu Setianto told Coconuts Bali that they are monitoring the situation but noted that the case would be handled by immigration. An official said separately that the case is being handled by the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office.
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