BALI – The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office has stopped a foreign national identified by the initials JFD from leaving Indonesia after officers discovered cocaine hidden inside his passport at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
JFD was preparing to fly to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on an AirAsia flight when the substance was discovered during an immigration inspection at the international departure terminal.
The incident began when JFD experienced difficulties using the autogate at the Immigration Checkpoint (TPI). An immigration officer then assisted him with the process.
During a closer examination of his travel document, however, officers noticed a suspicious item inside the passport. The finding was immediately reported to the Ngurah Rai Customs and Excise Office for further examination.
A subsequent inspection of JFD's belongings, along with a urine test, confirmed that the suspicious substance was cocaine weighing 0.2 grams. The urine test also showed that JFD had tested positive for cocaine use.
Further checks also uncovered another issue involving JFD's travel documents. According to immigration records, JFD entered Indonesia on September 19, 2026, using an Irish passport and a Visa on Arrival (VoA).
However, when attempting to leave Indonesia, he presented a South African passport. The discovery of two passports from different nationalities prompted immigration authorities to take further action before JFD could leave Indonesian territory.
The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office subsequently postponed his departure and, together with the Ngurah Rai Customs and Excise Office, handed JFD and the evidence over to the Police of the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport Area for further legal proceedings.
Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, Muhamad Novyandri, said the case demonstrated the role of immigration systems and officers in identifying potential violations at one of Bali's main international gateways.
He also emphasized the importance of cooperation among government agencies in maintaining security and public order at the international airport.
“We continue to strengthen immigration supervision through synergy with all relevant agencies. A reliable immigration system does not merely check travel documents, but also ensures that every protection policy truly provides benefits to the community,” Novyandri said.
He added that the approach is in line with the direction of Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko, emphasizing the role of immigration in protecting and serving the public under the principle of “Immigration for the People.” The case has now been handed over to the airport police for further investigation and legal proceedings.
