"We hope that this synergy can be better, so (we) can offer optimal public services, as per tasks and functions," Head of the Bali office of the Law and Human Rights Ministry Anggiat Napitupulu said in Denpasar on Thursday.
He informed that the two entities will work together to monitor foreign investments in Bali.
Currently, the only collaborations pursued for monitoring foreign nationals have been undertaken with the police, the attorney general’s office, and the National Narcotics Agency, he said. However, monitoring initiatives by the Bali Immigration Office and Directorate General of Taxes have yet to kick off, he added.
The opportunity for collaboration was conveyed during a meeting held between Head of the Bali Office of the Directorate General of Taxes Nurbaeti Munawaroh and Napitupulu to discuss public services.
According to data from the Directorate General of Immigration, foreign nationals may be issued investor visas to stay in Indonesia for a year or two.
However, in reality, inspection teams have discovered that foreign nationals are using the permit to stay to work as masseuses for fellow foreigners and promoting their services through social media.
In one such case, VB, 29, a Ukrainian national apprehended on April 17, 2023, was deported back to his country.
In the period from January to April, the Bali Immigration Office deported as many as 101 foreign nationals for various reasons, such as exceeding the permissible length of stay or violating Indonesian norms, particularly in Bali.
When Bali opened its doors to international visitors from May–December 2022, it deported as many as 194 foreign nationals.
Data for the first quarter of 2023 from the Investment Coordinating Board has pegged the value of foreign investment in Bali at US$180 million, spread across 5,644 projects.
The value has improved compared to the year-ago period, when it was US$70 million and spread over 1,463 projects.
Related news: Bali's plans to realize quality tourism ahead of endemic
Related news: Minister Pandjaitan seeks to tighten control on Bali tourism
Related news: MPR Speaker asks foreign nationals to comply with regulations
Translator: Dewa Ketut SW, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
