Badung Regent Calls for Firm Action Against Illegal Foreign Workers, Warns of Risks in Nightclubs

MANGUPURA Bali, NETTtnpo.Com

The recent uproar over alleged illegal foreign workers (TKA) operating in several nightlife venues in Badung Regency, including Jade by Todd English, has drawn direct attention from Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa. The top official in the region emphasized that any violations involving foreign workers must be dealt with firmly in accordance with prevailing regulations.

The emergence of allegations that illegal foreign workers are employed in frontline roles within nightlife establishments has prompted a swift response from the local government. Although he has not yet received detailed reports, Adi Arnawa confirmed that he will immediately investigate the matter by involving relevant agencies.

“I have not received complete information yet, so to avoid any misunderstanding, I will first request details from the Head of the Tourism Office. If it is true that there are nightclubs employing foreign workers, the regulations must be reviewed. Are they here as tourists, or are they actually working?” Adi Arnawa said on Tuesday (May 12) afternoon.

According to him, the misuse of residence permits—such as tourists working illegally—is a serious violation that must not be tolerated. Therefore, cross-sector coordination is considered key to strengthening supervision.

He stressed that he would soon instruct the Tourism Office to coordinate with Immigration authorities to ensure optimal monitoring of foreign workers’ activities. “I will ask the Head of the Tourism Office to coordinate with Immigration so there is synergy in supervising foreign workers. If there are violations, firm action must be taken in accordance with the law,” he asserted.

Adi Arnawa also reminded that Bali, as a world-class tourist destination, must maintain its image. Security, order, and compliance with regulations are crucial factors in preserving tourists’ trust.

“If there are violations, they must be dealt with firmly, including the companies employing them. After all, Bali must be maintained as a truly safe destination for tourists,” said the former Badung Regional Secretary.

Regarding the discourse on limiting or setting quotas for foreign workers in Badung, Adi Arnawa stated that it requires careful study and cannot be decided unilaterally. Such policies, he added, must be discussed with the Bali Provincial Government and the central government to ensure they do not conflict with higher regulations.

“When we talk about tourism, it cannot be handled partially in Badung alone. All policies apply to Bali as a whole. The suggestion is good, but it must be carefully calculated and must have proper regulations. Those regulations must also not conflict with higher laws,” he concluded. (X)