Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto said authorities are investigating allegations that two Israeli nationals, believed to be former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) members, are managing luxury villas in Bali.

“This is being checked now. The team is there, conducting operations,” he told reporters at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday (6/8/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com. 

MinisterAgus Andrianto confirmed a recent sweep in Bali netted about 100 foreign nationals, without detailing specific violations.

One of the Israelis, identified as Shachar Gornen, is known online as a travel content creator and was linked to the now-private Instagram account @gonenvillasbali, previously used to promote high-end tropical villas. Reports suggest Gornen entered Indonesia as a German citizen on an investor’s KITAS valid until March 2026, residing in Pererenan, Badung.

Immigration has not officially confirmed these details. Bali Regional Police has said last month they could assist if potential criminal or regulatory violations are found.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)