Indonesia Deported Russian Sex Workers and Photographers in Bali

Another drastic plan that the Governor of Bali made is to revoke the Visa on Arrival service for the Russians and Ukranians. The governor said there are many tourists from the two countries because of war. 

"These two countries are at war. They are not comfortable in their countries. They are massively coming to Bali, including those people who are not tourists coming to find comfort, including to work," said Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster on Sunday, reported by the state news agency Antara.

The governor has sent the request to the relevant government agency. The governor also opens the possibility that more countries could be stopped from getting the Visa on Arrival.

Ambassador of Ukraine Speaks Out

The Ambassador of Ukraine in Indonesia, Vasyl Hamianin, strongly criticizes the plan that also targets the Ukrainians. Hamianin also said he was offended that the Bali government linked Ukranians and Russians.

According to the data he received, only eight Ukranians have been deported from Indonesia since 2019. He then demands the provincial government in Bali to open the data about the crimes of the Ukranians. 

"I need statistics. If someone accuses my people, people of my country, of committing outrageous crimes in big scales, I would really ask for the statistics. I would be grateful if anyone provided it to me from the governor's office," said Ambassador Hamianin in a virtual press conference on Monday afternoon (14/3/2023).

Moreover, he said that many Ukranians in Indonesia are escaping the war, meanwhile the Russian men in Indonesia are mostly avoiding the mobilization.

"Once the bombing and shelling stop they [Ukrainians] will go home immediately. While Russians on the contrary are people who don't want to be mobilized for the Russian army, so these are men and predominantly young men going everywhere in the world," said the ambassador.

Hamianin also said he is ready to meet with the governor to discuss about this issue.

No Motorcycles

Governor of Bali also made another strict rule by banning foreign tourists from renting motorcycles in Bali, although the rental association was protesting the decision.

Some foreigners in Bali were notorious for their unruly road behaviors. In 2021, a Russian tourist threw his motorcycle into the sea. He was later deported. 

Earlier this month, an Australian woman angrily argued with the police after she was stopped for not wearing a helmet. In Indonesia, it is compulsory for motorcyclists to wear helmets for safety.