Foreign creators face closer watch in Bali as authorities tighten visa scrutiny

Foreign content creators in Bali are facing closer scrutiny as Indonesian authorities tighten enforcement against the misuse of immigration permits for work and commercial purposes.

The directorate general of immigration under the ministry of immigration and corrections has formed the Dharma Dewata Task Force to patrol areas with high concentrations of foreign nationals, including Canggu and Ubud, while monitoring their activities both on the ground and on social media.

Felucia Sengky Ratna, head of the Bali regional office of the directorate general of immigration, said the policy does not specifically target creators, but rather aims to curb the misuse of immigration permits, including using tourist visas for commercial work.

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Between January and June 2026, immigration authorities recorded 342 foreign nationals from 60 countries who had been deported for violations including overstaying, misuse of residence permits and other breaches of Indonesian regulations.

Indonesia introduced its C5A Content Creator Visit Visa in May 2025 for foreign nationals who want to create content for their personal social media accounts while travelling in the country.

However, the visa does not allow holders to produce journalistic content or commercial films without specific permission, work for local employers or earn income in Indonesia.

Immigration authorities have also clarified that commercial activity does not necessarily require a direct cash payment to constitute work. Endorsements, social media promotions, photography, make-up services and other professional services can be considered commercial if they carry economic value.

The authorities assess the traveller's purpose, the nature of the activity and its potential economic benefit when determining whether a visa violation has occurred.

Content uploaded after a creator has left Indonesia may still be considered in assessing a potential violation.

Foreign nationals found to have misused their visas can face administrative sanctions including fines, deportation and bans on returning to Indonesia, depending on the violation. 

Discover what's next in Indonesia's fast-moving digital landscape at DMA Indonesia 2026 on 13 October in Jakarta, where marketing leaders will explore how AI, creator ecosystems, social commerce, and omnichannel strategies are reshaping customer engagement and business growth.

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