Bali Deports Two Iranians After Selemadeg Market Case

Mangupura — Two Iranian nationals were deported from Bali on Friday, Oct. 9, after police recommended immigration action following an alleged hypnosis-related theft at Bajera Market in Selemadeg, Tabanan, in September.

The men, identified by initials as BM, 47, and his uncle, MH, 71, had entered Indonesia on visitor permits through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on Sept. 12, according to Bali Post. They were staying at a hotel in Kuta, Badung, when they were detained by Kuta police on Sept. 20 and later handed to Tabanan police.

The report said the pair allegedly posed as customers seeking to buy granulated sugar and asked to exchange money. One victim lost Rp800,000 (about US$50) after cash was taken from a bag. The police account described the incident as occurring at Bajera Market, in Selemadeg District, rather than simply at a market in Tabanan.

Following mediation involving the shop owner, police and legal counsel, the parties agreed to settle the matter. Tabanan police nevertheless recommended deportation to the Tabanan Immigration Office on Sept. 21. The two men were transferred to the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center on Sept. 22 and remained detained until their deportation.

Why it matters to visitors

For foreign visitors, the case illustrates that a settlement in a criminal complaint does not necessarily end immigration consequences. Under Article 75 paragraph 1 of Indonesia’s Immigration Law No. 6 of 2011, immigration authorities may deport a foreigner whose activities are considered dangerous or potentially disruptive to security and public order.

In practice, that means a visitor can face administrative immigration action even after the parties reach an agreement and the police matter is mediated. The report did not state whether the men were barred from returning to Indonesia or whether further legal proceedings would follow.

Sources

• Bali Post — regional news organization
• IDN Times Bali — established Indonesian regional news organisation reporting the immigration action and planned deportation following the Bajera theft case
• NusaBali — established Bali regional news organisation reporting the transfer to immigration detention and planned deportation of the two Iranian nationals
• radarbali.jawapos.com
• ground.news