Denpasar Mayor Apologizes for 2 Foreigners Found Holding Indonesian ID Cards, Family Cards

DENPASAR, KOMPAS.com – Denpasar Mayor I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara offered an apology and admitted that he was caught off guard by the issuance of identity cards (KTP) and family cards (KK) for Syrian and Ukrainian nationals, identified as MZN (31) and RK (37), respectively.

"We apologize for this incident," Ngurah Jaya Negara told reporters when officiating the Kesiman Integrated Waste Processing Facility (TPST) in Kertalangu, Denpasar, Bali, on Monday, March 13.

The Mayor said that he respected the investigation process carried out by the Denpasar Prosecutor's Office and the Bali Regional Police to resolve the case.

Previously, the Denpasar Prosecutor’s Office summoned the head of the Population and Civil Registration Office of Denpasar Dewa Gde Juli Artabrata on Monday, March 13.
"We fully respect the steps that have been taken so that this case can be handled properly," he said.

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Jaya Negara assured the issuance of KTP and KK for the two foreign nationals will not happen again in the future. He has instructed the Denpasar Population and Civil Registration Office to conduct a thorough and direct verification if any foreign nationals are intending to make an Indonesian ID card.

"We have taken anticipatory measures. We have held meetings with the district head and regional secretary because this issue has a significant impact on Bali's security, particularly Denpasar," he said.

"We have also conducted population data collection, but if this happens and has an impact on security, it is a shame. That is why we have warned against this matter. Hopefully, this incident will be a valuable and final lesson in Denpasar," he said.

Jaya Negara said that the issuance of ID cards to the two foreign nationals (WNA) was done officially under regulations. All required documents were complete and met the requirements. However, the two foreigners are suspected of forging documents to be verified by the Denpasar Population and Civil Registration Office through online registration.

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