Indonesian Officials in Bali Deport Foreigners Over Bogus Face Mask

DENPASAR, KOMPAS.com - Indonesian immigration officials in Bali have deported two foreign tourists, over a week after one of them stirred outrage among Indonesian netizens by turning towards body painting to get around health protocols and uploading a video of their actions.  

Ministry of Law and Human Rights Bali Regional Office Head, Jamaruli Manihuruk said the two, Taiwanese-American citizen Lin Chi 'Joshua' Chen and Russian national Leia Se, were deported for violating local and national laws.

"[Chen and Se] violated Bali Governor Regulation no. 10/2021 on health protocols to counter Covid-19. They are also deported for violating a 2011 immigration law which stipulates that foreigners who do not respect Indonesian laws are subject to deportation."

Also read: Foreign Tourist in Bali Paints A Fake Mask On Her Face 

Joshua and Leia's arrest and deportation occurred, eight days after the two posted a video of themselves on YouTube trying to enter a supermarket in Bali. They initially tried to enter the shop without a mask, only for security to throw them out for not wearing the face covering.  

Joshua, who was already masked, then painted the lower part of Se’s face in the shape of a blue mask, then tried to reenter the shop. Their gimmick succeeded, and they both had a laugh at the security guard's gullibility and walked freely about the shop. 

But Indonesian netizens who saw the duo's attempt to get their 15 minutes of viral fame were less than amused. Immigration officials caught up with Joshua and Se days later, and forced them to apologize for their actions on Instagram in the company of their legal representation.

Dok. PUSKOMPUBLIK KEMENPAREKRAF Balinese dancers practicing health protocols in the so-called Island of the Gods

As a content creator, Joshua said he made the video purely for entertainment purposes.

“We had no intention to disrespect [health protocols] or discourage the public from wearing a mask,” Joshua stated in his clarification, which was posted on his Instagram account @joshpalerlin, Friday, April 23.

“I did not realize [my actions]...brought about...negative comments from netizens and raised concerns,” he added.