Indonesia Forced To Crack Down On Digital Nomad Visas After Sunshine Coast To Bali Route Opens Up

SANDY FRASER | Youth | CONTACT

Indonesian authorities have finally announced a crackdown on digital nomads, with wellness influencers and content creators particularly in their sights. 

The tightening of restrictions comes after an influx of foreigners working online have reportedly been using and abusing tourist visas for extended periods at a time. 

To combat the numbers, Bali have introduced a designated E33G Remote Worker Visa for a heightened price, and are deporting and fining anyone found to be working with the incorrect Visa. 

Incidentally, the crackdown coincides with Jetstar’s recent introduction of a direct Sunshine Coast to Bali flight, which according to professionals, placed unprecedented pressure on the net immigration numbers. 

“We had to introduce several additional Sunshine Coast to Bali routes throughout the week. However, return flights inbound to Maroochydore were almost empty,” said Bali foreign affairs minister Dane Ulus. 

“So we had to examine what was going on, and we found there were approximately 30,000 Sunny Coast influencers pumping out pyramid scheme content from Canggu.”

“These people are making over $100,000 a year and living off $2 meals and beers. I mean, it’s extortionate.”

“So that is really where this crackdown comes from.”

Harry Nusa (32), a men's wellness influencer who spent 10 months in Bali last year, says he and many of his fellow ‘menfluencers’ are meticulously searching for loopholes. 

“They think they’ll be able to get $850 out of me for a Visa, get real.”

“I may as well stay in Noosa for that price.”

“But don’t worry, Reddit has me sorted. Got to know to know, you know what I mean, ha ha,” he said, tapping his nose lightly on the side. 

“Fuck just can’t wait to be back there with a $2 Bintang in hand.”