Protest in Bali: Can Foreign Tourists Join or Film It?

No. Foreign tourists may not take part in protests in Indonesia, because Law 9/1998 grants the right to express opinions in public to "every citizen", and immigration uses Article 75 of Law 6/2011 to deport foreigners who speak at rallies. Watching or taking photos from a distance is not a separate offence, but standing in the crowd can get you questioned if things turn violent. Checked 28 October 2026.

The legal basis

• Law 9/1998, Articles 1 and 2: freedom of expression in public is the right of every citizen, and a demonstration is defined as expressing views demonstratively in public.
• Immigration Law 6/2011, Article 75: immigration officers may take administrative action against foreigners who carry out dangerous activities, are reasonably suspected of endangering public security and order, or do not obey the law. The action can be an entry ban, cancellation of the stay permit, a ban from specific places, or deportation.
• Visas: visit visas and visa-free entry are granted for holidays. Political activity falls outside that purpose and counts as misuse of the stay permit.

Cases on record

• Jakarta, September 2024: two British nationals gave speeches at a ride-hailing drivers' protest near the Horse Statue on 29 August 2024. According to Kompas (5 September 2024), they were held for six days, deported at their own expense and banned from returning. The then Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, said demonstrations are off-limits to foreigners who come on holiday.
• Bali, November 2022: before the G20 summit in Nusa Dua, the Directorate General of Immigration said foreigners who protested would be deported immediately (Kompas TV).
• Sorong, 2019: four Australians were deported after joining a rally that displayed the Morning Star flag.
• Denpasar, 30 August 2025: protests outside Bali Police headquarters and the Bali provincial parliament turned violent. detikBali reported 22 people arrested and 8 police officers injured, with clashes spreading to Jalan Suli, Jalan WR Supratman and Jalan Melati.

Mistakes tourists often make

• Marching or speaking because they agree with the cause. The 2024 case shows a single speech to a crowd is enough for deportation.
• Assuming a peaceful rally or a solidarity rally about a foreign issue is different. The law does not distinguish by topic. Holding a placard or flag at any rally is still taking part in a protest.
• Filming from inside the crowd or livestreaming next to police lines. You risk tear gas, being pushed by the crowd and having your phone checked. Smartraveller (updated 21 October 2026) also warns that people have been arrested for what they posted online.
• Riding a rental scooter around Renon and Jalan WR Supratman during a rally. The Bali provincial parliament and Bali Police headquarters are both in Denpasar, and nearby roads can close without notice.
• Thinking a KITAS or work visa makes it fine. Law 9/1998 still says citizens, and Article 75 applies to every foreigner.
• Not carrying ID. If police run checks nearby, you will be asked for your passport or a copy. See whether you must carry your passport in Bali.

If you get caught near a protest

Smartraveller tells travellers to avoid protests, monitor local media and be ready to change plans, because demonstrations can turn violent with little notice. Protests are often held near government buildings and foreign missions, including the Australian Consulate-General in Bali, so phone ahead before visiting. If you are already close, move away down a side street, follow police instructions and do not stop to take photos. Smartraveller also states that anything seen as a threat to security or public order can lead to arrest, detention or deportation under Indonesian immigration law.

Other deportations of visitors this month are listed in 10 deportation cases from October 2026, and your rights if you are taken to a police station are covered in detained by police in Bali. More visitor rules are on the Bali rules page.

Other questions

Can I photograph a protest from my hotel or from far away?
No article specifically bans it. Avoid posting faces of protesters or officers with political commentary, because a post can be read as campaigning.

Are ogoh-ogoh parades or temple processions protests?
No. Those are cultural and religious events, and visitors may watch respectfully from the roadside.

I am on a digital nomad visa. Is it different?
No. Every stay-permit holder is a foreigner under the Immigration Law, and Article 75 applies the same way.