Bali Villas: Immigration Probes Ex-IDF Soldiers Allegedly Running Luxury Business
Officials Investigate Foreign Nationals Suspected of Military Ties
Indonesian immigration authorities are actively investigating claims that two foreign nationals, believed to be former members of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), are operating upscale villas on the popular tourist island of Bali.
Ongoing Investigation Underway
Minister of Immigration and Penitentiary, Agus Andrianto, confirmed that a dedicated team is on the ground in Bali revisiting the alleged presence of these individuals. The Minister stated, “This is again checked now. The team is there again, again.”
During a recent sweep in Bali, immigration officials apprehended approximately 100 foreign nationals. However, the specific immigration violations committed by these individuals were not detailed.
Suspects Identified via Social Media
The two Israelis in question include a man reportedly named Shahar Gornen, who presents himself as a traveler and content creator. Social media analysis suggests Gornen managed an Instagram account, @gonenvillasbali, which showcased luxurious, modern tropical villas.
At the time of reporting, both the @gonenvillasbali account and Shahar Gornen‘s personal Instagram profile were set to private, limiting access to their content. However, cached versions of posts featuring the Bali villas remain accessible through search engines.
Entry and Visa Status Under Scrutiny
Unconfirmed reports indicate that Shahar Gornen entered Indonesia using documentation from Germany, leading immigration officials to initially identify him as a German national. He is believed to have entered on an investor Kitas (limited stay permit), valid until March 2026.
Gornen is reportedly residing in the Pererenan area of Badung Regency, Bali. His investor Kitas is sponsored by an Indonesian company, which acts as his guarantor. The Bali Regional Police have indicated their willingness to investigate any potential criminal violations associated with these individuals.
Immigration’s scrutiny comes as concerns mount over foreign nationals exploiting visa regulations. For instance, in 2023, the UK’s Office for National Statistics reported a significant increase in illegal working, with over 147,000 people identified as working without the correct permissions, highlighting broader challenges in border control and enforcement (Source: Office for National Statistics, 2023).