Indonesia, including its popular tourist destination Bali, is implementing stricter immigration rules that prohibit foreigners from working, conducting research, or earning income while using a tourist visa. The crackdown specifically targets tourists creating commercial social media content, which includes sponsored posts and brand endorsements.
The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration has stated that immigration authorities may assess the purpose of a foreigner's stay, the nature of their activities, and whether any economic value is derived from their presence. This applies even to unpaid activities that involve benefits or are similar to work.
The Australian government's travel advisory website, Smartraveller, has updated its guidance for Indonesia, urging travelers to ensure they possess the correct visa and understand its conditions. The advisory explicitly states that it is illegal to work, conduct research, or volunteer on a tourist visa, and creating content for commercial purposes can be considered a breach of visa conditions, even if the content is published after departure from Indonesia.
With over 1.67 million Australians visiting Indonesia annually, and 1.5 million of those heading to Bali, the new regulations affect a significant number of travelers. The island is also home to an estimated 10,000 Australian expatriates who work remotely.
Foreign nationals seeking to work in Indonesia can apply for a digital nomad visa, provided they can demonstrate an annual salary of at least US$60,000 and possess a work contract with an overseas company. The enforcement of these new rules has caused some confusion among content creators and local businesses, with many influencers hesitant to comment publicly.
Some content creators have expressed concerns about the potential difficulties the new rules may create for those working remotely in Indonesia. Questions have also been raised about the practicalities of enforcing such regulations, particularly concerning everyday social media posts.
Indonesian travel writer Yun Damayanti suggested a review and clear distinction between permits for digital nomads and genuine tourists, emphasizing the need for immigration authorities to collaborate with tourism industry professionals to understand different market profiles.