Earlier this year, Bali rolled out a task force dedicated to cracking down on the branded and sponsored work of visiting influencers who don’t have the proper credentials.
According to The Bali Times, the island’s Dharma Dewata Immigration Patrol Task Force was formally launched in April. According to the source, 100 officers were enlisted at that time to deal with visiting foreigners who are violating their tourist visa terms by unlawfully posting content online about accommodations, products, or services that they received in Bali for free or were paid to post about.
In addition to scanning social posts, the officers also do rounds in popular and touristy hotspots, scoping the scene for rule breakers. Those found in violation face potential fines, arrest, deportation, and even a permanent ban from returning to Indonesia.
What Content Creators And Influencers Should Know About Working In Bali
Bali is long established as a hospitality and tourism hub from which influencers and content creators share their local experiences. And while tourists in Bali are still fully allowed to document their experiences, those accepting free things and/or payment in exchange for online posts are being surveilled, as doing so is illegal under the terms of a tourist visa. Under the latter (an Indonesian tourist visa), it is illegal to be paid or to accept anything for “free” in exchange for public endorsement. That means those tourists can’t accept free accommodations or services or have their flights paid for in exchange for related coverage shared on their platform, or promotion to their following.
With the Dharma Dewata Immigration Patrol Task Force’s rollout, even one rogue promotional post could land content creators in a world of trouble, consequences, and legalities.
Influencers and other content creators should ensure that they clearly understand the breadth of what is and isn’t permissible under the scope of Indonesia’s tourist visa regulations. Also, digital nomads, remote workers, and traveling service providers – like photographers, event planners, makeup artists, DJs, etc. – with tourist visas are also subject to those rules and restrictions.
