A US citizen, identified only by the initials JRG, was deported from Bali on Thursday after organising a sexual wellness retreat at a villa in the popular tourist area of Seminyak.
Ngurah Rai Immigration Office head Winarko said JRG violated immigration regulations by conducting commercial activities while on a tourist visa.
“She arrived in Bali on Sept 4 using a Visa on Arrival issued for tourism purposes. Hosting commercial events is strictly prohibited under this visa category,” Winarko explained in a statement.
The investigation into JRG was launched after local residents reported “suspicious activities” at the villa she had rented.
Investigators discovered that JRG had organised an event called the Intimacy Mastery Retreat, where she provided private classes focusing on practices and techniques related to intimate relationships, emotional closeness and sexual activities.
The retreat took place from Sept 4 to 8, with each participant reportedly paying a fee of at least US$7,000 (RM29,400).
Authorities also noted that attendees came from various countries.
JRG was arrested by immigration officers at the departure area of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport while preparing to board a flight to Jakarta. She was subsequently deported on Thursday at 4.30pm aboard an EVA Air flight bound for Los Angeles via Taipei.
“Every foreign national in Indonesia is required to comply with immigration regulations and respect the country’s legal norms. We will take firm action against anyone who abuses their stay permit in Indonesia,” he said.
Bali has witnessed a significant rise in immigration violations by foreign nationals in recent years, driven largely by overtourism.
Authorities have reported widespread cases of tourists overstaying their visas, while local communities have voiced concerns over foreigners operating unlicensed businesses on the island.
Last month, the Immigration and Correctional Services Ministry formed a special task force to monitor unruly tourists in Bali amid growing reports of immigration violations and criminal activity involving foreigners on the popular holiday island.
Immigration Minister Agus Andrianto said the task force was created to deliver a swift response to violations by international travellers, deter immigration offences and protect the safety of local communities.
“This initiative is a direct response to President Prabowo Subianto ’s mandate to uphold stability and security in Bali, one of Indonesia’s foremost tourist destinations,” Agus stated during the task force’s inauguration ceremony in Denpasar on Aug 5. — The Jakarta Post/ANN
