LBH FKPPI Bali Assists Hundreds of Foreign Nationals Trapped by Alleged Rogue Visa Agency
DENPASAR, Indonesia — The Legal Aid Institute (LBH) of the Keluarga Besar Forum Komunikasi Putra Putri Purnawirawan dan Putra Putri TNI-POLRI (FKPPI) Bali has stepped in to assist hundreds of foreign nationals who claim to have fallen victim to a fraudulent visa agency, identified by the initials PT MGI. The company allegedly offered business support, corporate legal solutions, visa processing, and import-export services but is now accused of fraud, passport seizure, and embezzlement.
According to LBH FKPPI Bali, the victims—mostly expatriates living in Bali—reported losses amounting to approximately IDR 3 billion, excluding additional overstay fines caused by the agency’s delays and mismanagement.
Bali FKPPI Regional Chairman I Gede Sugianyar, SH, warned that such incidents could tarnish Bali’s international reputation as a tourism destination.
“We’ve received numerous reports—both civil and criminal—of foreigners whose visa processes were mishandled, causing overstays and financial damage. Some even had their passports held hostage,” said Sugianyar on Friday, October 10, 2025.
“LBH FKPPI is fully committed to providing legal assistance in this case,” he added firmly.
LBH FKPPI Bali Deputy Director Fanisa Wilson revealed that one victim initially requested a visa to work as a yoga instructor and musician, but the agency instead processed an investor visa without consent.
“This is a serious issue. Many of these foreigners don’t fully understand local regulations, and some have overstayed up to 200 days, facing fines of about IDR 1 million per day,” Wilson explained.
Wilson, wearing an Officium Nobile badge—Latin for “a noble and honorable profession”—also disclosed that some victims had received threats warning them not to report the matter or contact lawyers.
“Yes, there were threats such as, ‘Don’t tell your lawyer or you won’t get your visa,’ and we have the evidence,” she said.
When asked about possible involvement of law enforcement officers backing the agency, Wilson said there was no indication so far.
“The agency claimed the passports were being held by Immigration, but when victims checked directly, Immigration denied having them,” she said, adding that LBH FKPPI is providing pro bono legal assistance to all affected individuals.
One of the victims, a YouTuber and musician known as Jelly Fish George (popular for his “Baksoman” channel), shared his frustration:
“We trusted them. They had helped us before without issues, but this time everything went wrong. My passport renewal was delayed for months, and now I can’t return to Germany,” he told reporters.
He said while his direct financial loss was limited, the ongoing delays had caused significant additional expenses and emotional distress.
LBH FKPPI member Ibrahim, SH, urged the government and related institutions to intervene and prevent similar incidents from happening again.
“This affects Indonesia’s international image, especially with the Ministry of Tourism’s new ecotourism programs. We hope no more tourists have to experience this kind of ordeal,” Ibrahim concluded. (Reported by Ray)
