In recent weeks, we have been seeing an increasing number of misbehaving foreign nationals being called out in Bali. Entering the conversation is arguably Indonesia’s most influential minister, who stated that naughty travelers are not needed on the Island of Gods and the government reserves the right to tell them to pack their bags and leave.
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan is known by Indonesians as “Lord Luhut” due to the immense influence he has in President Joko Widodo’s administration. He has played a huge role in shaping some of the country’s biggest policies, many of which extend beyond his ministerial portfolio, such as those related to Indonesia’s COVID-19 crisis management.
Lord Luhut said yesterday that he had spoken with Bali Governor Wayan Koster about foreign tourists who behave poorly and taint life on the resort island.
“We do not need naughty tourists in Bali,” he said in Denpasar.
“With close observations from the police and the relevant authorities, we can [make them] persona non grata [in Bali].”
Under Indonesia’s immigration laws, foreigners who break the law or cause public nuisance in Indonesia may be subject to deportation. Those who appear to fall in these categories have been thrust into the spotlight following the emergence of a community account on Instagram that has been posting numerous violations committed by foreigners, including working without a permit, dangerous driving, and installing customized license plates on vehicles.
