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Bali Prepares Regional Regulation on Nominee Practices to Tackle Contractual Marriages


Contractual marriages involving foreign nationals and local residents in Bali has become a serious concern, especially as this practice is suspected to be a loophole exploited to circumvent the law and gain ownership of land or property that legally should not be held by foreigners.

The Democrat-NasDem faction raised this issue during a general assembly speech delivered by I Gusti Ayu Mas Sumatri at a plenary session on Tuesday (April 8, 2025). In her address, Ayu Mas Sumatri expressed concern over the increasing number of such illegal practices.

According to Radarbali, “There is a surge of viral news on social media regarding legal smuggling, where it is alleged that some foreign tourists are engaging in fraudulent practices by entering into contractual marriages with local residents,” she stated.

She further explained that the main purpose of these contractual marriages is to gain control over property in Bali, including land, hotels, and villas. Therefore, she called on Bali Governor Wayan Koster to take firm action.

“We ask the Governor to coordinate with relevant institutions for tighter oversight of foreign nationals in Bali, especially Immigration and the Police,” she urged.

Legal Oversight

Responding to this, Bali Vice Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta revealed that the provincial government is currently drafting Regional Regulation on Nominee Practice as a solution.

This regulation is intended to address various forms of legal violations committed by foreign nationals, including contractual marriages, foreign direct investment (FDI), and illegal villa ownership.

Reported by Barometerbali, “We have prepared everything, including the academic concept. Through the regulation, we can follow up not only on contract marriage issues, but also on FDI, illegal villas, and the many investments expected to come to Bali,” he explained.

He also stressed the importance of this regulation in strengthening legal oversight over property ownership by foreigners.

“This is the significance of the Regional Regulation on Nominee Practice. The regulation has already undergone review by the Bali provincial government, including the academic foundation. With this regulation, we can address not only contractual marriages, but also foreign investment and illegal villas in Bali,” he added.



Sources: Radarbali, Barometerbali
Image: via iStock

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