BALINEWSID.COM, JAKARTA – Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Commission III member representing Bali, I Nyoman Parta, has called on the Directorate General of Immigration to strengthen foreign national supervision and remove immigration officials in Bali allegedly involved in the abuse of residence permit issuance.

Parta delivered the statement during a parliamentary working meeting on the Draft Law on One Data Indonesia on Friday (July 3), saying the recent corruption case involving former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Silmy Karim, should serve as a turning point for reforming Indonesia’s immigration system.

According to Parta, the alleged extortion and gratuity case linked to the issuance of immigration documents, including temporary and permanent residence permits (KITAS and KITAP), highlights weaknesses in the current immigration governance, particularly in Bali.

He noted that Bali welcomed approximately 6.9 million international visitors in 2025, recording more than 15 million international passenger movements. During the same period, immigration authorities issued around 53,428 immigration documents and 28,000 passports, generating approximately Rp1.5 trillion (US$92 million) in non-tax state revenue.

Parta questioned whether the proposed One Data Indonesia Law would be capable of closing loopholes that allow rogue immigration officials to profit from issuing residence permits illegally.

He also raised concerns over foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bali. Based on data from the Business Identification Number (NIB) registry between 2001 and 2025, Bali is home to 19,262 foreign-owned businesses, accounting for around 40 percent of the national total.

According to Parta, many of these businesses are classified as low-risk enterprises, enabling them to operate across multiple business sectors. He warned that this situation could allow foreign nationals to dominate business sectors that should primarily benefit local entrepreneurs.

Parta revealed that he possesses data on the locations and activities of foreign nationals suspected of abusing their residence permits in Bali. However, he said the information would only be handed over after the Directorate General of Immigration demonstrates serious commitment to enforcement.

He further emphasized the need to strengthen immigration screening and visa issuance procedures before foreign nationals enter Indonesia.

“Visa screening must be stricter and fully digitalized. The purpose of every foreign visitor’s arrival should be thoroughly verified, along with the type of residence permit granted. This is essential to safeguard the sustainability of Bali’s tourism industry,” Parta said.

He also urged the Director General of Immigration to evaluate officials at both the Denpasar Immigration Office and Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, calling for the appointment of officers with integrity.

Parta stressed that Bali’s tourism sector contributes approximately Rp169 trillion to Indonesia’s economy, making effective immigration control crucial to protecting the island’s tourism reputation and economic stability.

Responding to the concerns, Director General of Immigration and Corrections Hendarsam Marantoko said his office has maintained close communication with Parta regarding immigration issues in Bali.

Hendarsam stated that since assuming office three months ago, the Directorate General has been committed to restoring the principle of selective policy, ensuring that only foreign nationals who meet legal requirements and provide tangible benefits to Indonesia are permitted to enter the country.

“The concerns raised by Mr. Nyoman Parta are also our concerns. We are committed to restoring the core values of Indonesian Immigration through the implementation of the selective policy. Immigration issues in Bali remain one of our top priorities, and we are determined to improve the system,” Hendarsam said.

He also invited Parta to support future enforcement operations in Bali, emphasizing the government’s commitment to jointly restore order and integrity within Indonesia’s immigration system.