Indonesian Authorities Reveal How Israelis Operate Businesses in Bali Using Third-Country Passports

In recent weeks, rumors have spread in Indonesia about Israelis settling in Bali, establishing successful businesses despite the lack of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Israel and strict entry restrictions for Israeli citizens. The public debate intensified after social media reports questioned how Israelis manage to operate commercially on the popular resort island.

Following public pressure, Indonesian immigration authorities conducted investigations combining data from the government’s SIMKIM immigration management system and cross-checking various registries. They found that many Israelis residing and running businesses in Bali entered Indonesia using passports from third countries, primarily Portugal, Germany, and Greece. This was confirmed by Aco Budianto, head of visas and travel documents at the Directorate General of Immigration, during a press conference in South Jakarta. He explained that these Israelis hold dual citizenship and use European passports that allow easier entry under Indonesia’s visa policies.

Budianto clarified that Indonesia generally does not permit dual citizenship, but many European countries do, creating a discrepancy. Indonesian immigration focuses on the passport presented at entry rather than place of birth. He noted, "A person can be born in America but hold Indonesian citizenship, and what matters is the citizenship shown in the passport."

The issue gained public attention amid Indonesia’s strict policies toward Israel, a Muslim-majority country with no diplomatic ties to Israel and stringent entry restrictions for Israeli nationals. Social media content, including from pro-Palestinian activists and public figures, fueled the discussion.

Besides using third-country passports, Israelis can also enter Indonesia on a special "invitation visa" mechanism, which requires extensive approval from multiple government agencies, including the Foreign Ministry, Interior Ministry, Police, National Intelligence Agency (BIN), Military Intelligence (BAIS), and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN). This process applies to nationals from countries requiring special visa verification, including Israel.

These findings shed light on how Israelis circumvent direct entry restrictions by leveraging dual citizenship and special visa procedures to conduct business in Bali.