BADUNG, BALINEWS – Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration has detained 21 foreign nationals during raids on two houses in the Harvestland Residence complex in Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The individuals are suspected of abusing their immigration permits to operate an online gambling website allegedly linked to an international network.
The group consists of eight Vietnamese nationals, 12 Myanmar nationals, and one national of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). During the operation, immigration officers also seized dozens of electronic devices believed to have been used in the alleged online gambling activities.
Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko said immigration surveillance was being carried out consistently to ensure that all foreign nationals residing in Indonesia complied with the country’s immigration regulations.
“We conduct immigration surveillance consistently to ensure that every foreign national in Indonesia complies with the applicable rules and permit requirements. We will not tolerate the misuse of residence permits, particularly where there are indications of involvement in criminal activities such as online gambling,” Hendarsam said.
Before conducting the raids, officers monitored the locations for several days. The operation began at 7 a.m. Central Indonesia Time (WITA), after the team coordinated with residential security personnel, the local neighborhood head, and a property agent.
At the first house, officers found eight Vietnamese nationals. At the second property, they detained 13 individuals, comprising 12 Myanmar nationals and one Chinese national.
The officers seized 36 personal mobile phones, 29 work mobile phones, 18 work laptops, six desktop computers, and three iPads. The total number of electronic devices confiscated was 92.
Preliminary examinations found that some of the foreign nationals held Pre-Investment Visit Stay Permits (Izin Tinggal Kunjungan or ITK), while others held Limited Stay Permits for Remote Workers (Izin Tinggal Terbatas or ITAS).
The individuals are suspected of operating the online gambling website macaujc.com. According to preliminary findings, financial transactions associated with the alleged operation were conducted through digital payment platforms Alipay and WeChat Pay.
All 21 foreign nationals, along with the seized electronic devices, have been taken to the Bali Immigration Detention Center for further questioning. The investigation aims to establish whether immigration violations occurred and to examine the alleged links between the individuals and the online gambling operation.
Hendarsam said further examinations would be conducted to investigate the suspected immigration violations and determine the extent of the individuals’ alleged involvement in the activities.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations have not been established as proven criminal offenses.
