Seventeen Foreigners Under Immigration Investigation in Bali Lending Case

In brief: Bali's Ngurah Rai Immigration Office reported on October 26, 2026, that 17 Malaysian and Singaporean nationals were under investigation following an October 22 operation at a villa in Badung. Officials suspect that online lending activity may have breached the conditions of their Indonesian stay permits; the inquiry has not reached a final determination.

A North Kuta villa was allegedly used as a lending office

The immigration operation took place in Dalung, North Kuta, Badung Regency. Officers detained 15 Malaysian citizens and two Singaporean citizens. All 17 were subsequently held in immigration detention while the authorities continued their examination, according to ANTARA's report of the October 26 announcement.

Investigators described a suspected division of responsibilities: three people managing the operation and 14 handling administration. Loan offers allegedly appeared in Facebook advertisements, with applicants directed to WhatsApp for further communication. Staff reportedly sought employment details, payslips and emergency contacts when assessing prospective borrowers.

The customer base and size of the operation remain uncertain

According to the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, its initial findings pointed to foreign nationals as the intended customers. Investigators had not identified any Indonesian citizens among the customers at the time of the briefing. That preliminary finding does not establish where every borrower was located or how many loans were issued.

Regional immigration chief Ramdhani said the suspected lending operation offered interest rates of between 20% and 30%, depending on customer profiles, as reported by detikBali. The cited account did not specify the period to which those rates applied. Officials had not provided a verified total loan value or a definitive assessment of financial losses.

The immigration issue concerns permitted activities, not villa rentals

Officials suspect misuse of stay permits and inaccurate statements made during visa or residence-permit applications. They referred to Article 75(1) of Indonesia's Immigration Law No. 6 of 2011, which provides for administrative immigration action in specified circumstances. Article 75(2) lists possible measures, including changes to or cancellation of stay permits and deportation.

As of the October 26 disclosure, the individuals remained under investigation. Detention is not proof of criminal guilt, nor is it confirmation that deportation has already taken place. Reports have not identified the precise visa categories and conditions applicable to each person.

Foreign residents operating businesses from Bali should distinguish their actual duties from the purpose and conditions of their immigration permission. This case concerns suspected business activity at a rented property; it does not establish that renting or living in a villa is unlawful. The relevant requirements must be assessed for the specific permit and type of work involved.