BALI, worldwartaglobal. Id
The case of alleged large-scale fraud involving PT. Maxx Group (a visa agent) has resurfaced. Dozens of foreign nationals (WNA) who fell victim are not only suffering financial losses but also facing potential immigration penalties. Even more alarming, the number of victims has exceeded 100 WNA sharing the same fate. However, a glimmer of hope has emerged after Ni Luh Djelantik, the DPD RI Senator for Bali, popularly known as Mbok Niluh, held an emergency hearing with the victims and their legal counsel on Monday (18/5).
The hearing, driven by the hashtag #LaporNiluh, has shed light on the bureaucratic quagmire trapping these expatriates. Accompanied by their attorney Fitri Fanisa, S.H., and her team, the victims—most of whom have lost hundreds of millions of rupiah—finally spoke up.
Key Agreement: Deportation is Mandatory, Immigration Not Responsible for Tickets
In an exclusive interview with Warta Global Bali, Mbok Niluh confirmed that the legal proceedings against PT. Maxx Group are ongoing. The victims will continue to seek financial restitution through proper legal channels. However, several crucial points regarding their immigration status have been agreed upon:
1. Compliance with Deportation: The WNAs who violated immigration rules (even due to the agent's deception) have committed to abiding by the law. The Denpasar Immigration Office will execute the deportation process as soon as flight tickets are available.
2. Ticket Responsibility: Immigration authorities will not bear the cost of repatriation. The full cost of flight tickets is the responsibility of the rogue agent/sponsor or the WNA concerned.
3. Humanitarian Priority: Not all WNAs will be repatriated the same way. Legal counsel has been asked to immediately create priority categories based on urgency and humanitarian conditions. Top priority includes emergency cases such as:
· WNAs with minor children (to avoid disrupting their schooling).
· WNAs with critically ill family members in their home country.
Ground-Level Obstruction: Execution Delayed Due to Unavailable Tickets
Although the WNAs are administratively ready for deportation, a major obstacle is hindering the process. As of now, the lack of flight tickets remains the primary bottleneck. Immigration cannot proceed with deportations because tickets from the agent or the WNA concerned are not yet available.
"This is the unfortunate reality. They are willing to be sent home, but their sponsoring agent has not provided the tickets. Meanwhile, the victims have run out of money because their funds were drained by the agent," Mbok Niluh said on the sidelines of the hearing.
Legal Counsel's Tough Task and 'Strict Warning' for WNAs
To resolve this deadlock, the legal team led by Fitri Fanisa has been given specific action items:
· Create a detailed list categorizing victims based on urgency and humanitarian conditions.
· Victimized WNAs are required to maintain intensive communication with their legal counsel before considering returning to Indonesia in the future. This is to ensure compliance with applicable labor laws and business licensing regulations.
Mbok Niluh also opened avenues for WNAs to double-check the reputation of visa agents. Through a team of legal experts led by Ms. Chandra, WNAs can seek consultations before entrusting their documents to third parties.
Dilemma of Stay Permit Status and Coordination with Bali Police
One of the heated discussion points during the hearing was the status of stay permits. A major question arose: What happens to WNAs who are fraud victims but still face deportation consequences? Mbok Niluh acknowledged this difficult position. Despite being victims, administrative rules require that stay permit violations still be processed.
However, communication with the heads of Denpasar Immigration and the Bali Police has ensured that procedures will be carried out respectfully. The current focus is on security education. Mbok Niluh advises:
"Don't easily trust visa agents, even if they seem to have a good reputation on social media. Many fake agents claim to be professionals these days. Check, re-check, and ask our legal team before handing over your money."
Case Status: Legal Proceedings Against PT. Maxx Group
While the deportation process runs in parallel, the legal team is preparing civil and criminal lawsuits against PT. Maxx Group. Recovering the victims' financial losses depends heavily on the outcome of these legal proceedings. An open item at this time is the process of returning the victims' funds, which remains pending the court's decision.
Conclusion
This case serves as a harsh wake-up call for the visa agent supervision system in Bali. On one hand, immigration law enforcement must be upheld (deportation). On the other hand, deceived WNAs also deserve fair restitution.
Mbok Niluh and the #LaporNiluh team have pledged to continue monitoring this case until the WNAs can safely return to their home countries and the fraudulent visa agents face the full force of Indonesian law. (MCB)
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