According to representatives of ASITA (the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies Board), digital nomads and foreign entrepreneurs in Bali may end up in legal jeopardy.
They have noticed that more and more foreigners are using the accommodation rented by tourists as a workplace and in some cases even running tours and travel services in Bali.
There are several facets to this issue. First, there is concern that digital nomads are using real estate designated for tourist accommodation as their official workplace. that is contrary to the intended purpose of this property.
There is also the problem of what digital nomads may be taking advantage of a tourist or socio-cultural visa to participate in business activities that conflict with the conditions of their residence permit.
ASITA proposes that certain foreign persons direct, manage or facilitate travel and retreats or arrange travel experiences on behalf of other travelers for personal gain or benefit.
Indonesian law explicitly states that only very specific activities, such as attending meetings, can be done on the basis of the visa on arrival or the socio-cultural visa, and that anyone in the country with a tourist or socio-cultural visa cannot do income-generating work.
ASITA representatives met with the National Police PR team to discuss their concerns and call for further action against foreigners who break the law.
“There are also tourist agents of foreigners who use their guesthouses as offices where they work, so that these unsuitable permits and locations can be better regulated, because we ourselves, who are official and have permits in accordance with regulations in Bali, feel disturbed,” the chairman of ASITA Bali told reporters.
In addition, ASITA wants local tour operators and travel agents who operate from home in a similar manner to be targeted by the authorities. These tour operators must first apply for the necessary business permits and licenses.
Police have pledged to work with ASITA Bali to impose sanctions on tourism and travel agencies that do not have the required permits. said Police Commissioner Pol Harry Sindu Nugroho.
“We will also cooperate with Bali Immigration so that later aliens (WNA) who create problems by becoming fake agents will take action, we will issue warnings and sanctions until the action is violated in accordance with immigration law,” he said.
This joint effort between Bali Police and ASITA is not a random campaign against foreigners who work online while visiting Bali, or against digital nomads.
This is a targeted effort to put into practice regulations that will help prevent fraudulent tour companies, protect the livelihoods of Balinese citizens and ensure that tour operators act legally.
