Government Protects Local Creative Industry from Illegal Foreign Workers

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesia’s government has raised concerns over the growing misuse of visitor visas and Visa on Arrival (VoA) permits by foreign nationals to work illegally in the country. The practice has been detected across several sectors, including the creative economy, and is considered detrimental to local businesses and workers.

Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, said the issue came to light after his ministry received reports from photography associations and players in the creative industry. The reports were subsequently forwarded to the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections for further action.

According to him, some foreign nationals enter Indonesia as tourists but engage in business activities without the required permits. In several cases, they have established photography studios and offered commercial services in different regions across the country.

He said visa abuse could damage the job ecosystem, particularly the creative industry, in Indonesia. “If their permit is intended for tourism or temporary stay, they should not be taking opportunities away from Indonesian workers,” Riefky said after meeting with Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto in Jakarta on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

He noted that such practices have been identified in several cities, including Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya, and Bali. The situation is seen as disrupting the photography business ecosystem that local professionals have built over the years.

Following the reports, the Directorate General of Immigration conducted investigations and enforcement measures. To date, 25 foreign photographers have been deported after being found guilty of violating the terms of their stay permits.

Indonesia's Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, emphasized that foreign nationals wishing to work in Indonesia must obtain the necessary work permits in accordance with existing regulations. “If someone enters Indonesia using a visitor visa and then works illegally, that becomes a clear immigration violation and is subject to enforcement action,” Agus said.

He stressed that the government remains open to international collaboration in the creative economy sector. However, he urged all foreign professionals and businesses operating in Indonesia to comply with local regulations in order to ensure fair competition and legal certainty for Indonesian workers.