Alleged Former Israeli Soldier, Two Foreigners Questioned by Immigration Regarding Luxury Villa in Bali

The Shiro Copr Investigation into the presence of two foreign citizens from Israel, reportedly former Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, is currently under scrutiny in Bali.

Immigration and Correction Minister Agus Andrianto stated that the immigration team is conducting field operations to trace the information.

"Right now it is being checked. The team is there, they are on duty," said Agus at the Republic of Indonesia Presidential Complex, Wednesday.

The statement answers the question regarding information that has been widely circulated in the public since last month about the activities of two foreign nationals believed to manage luxurious villas in Bali.

From the initial operations, about 100 foreigners were reported to have been caught.

However, Agus did not specify the particular violations committed by the foreign nationals, including whether the two Israelis mentioned were part of the operation's results.

One of the two people suspected of being former IDF members is known as Shachar Gornen, a man known for actively creating travel content.

Gornen is reportedly the manager of exclusive villas through the Instagram account @gonenvillasbali.

Before becoming a public topic, the account displayed promotional content of luxurious tropical-style villas aimed at foreign tourists.

However, currently the account has been locked as private without any uploads or followers.

Shachar's personal account is now private. Nevertheless, digital traces of her previous uploads can still be found through Google searches, including promotional videos of villas in the Bali area.

Temporary information circulating mentions that Shachar Gornen was registered as a German citizen when entering Indonesia.

This is possible because the person registered as a German national and passed the immigration supervision in Bali.

He also holds a valid Investor KITAS until March 2026.

While in Bali, Gornen stayed in the Pererenan area, Mengwi, Badung Regency, and was under the supervision of an Indonesian company that acted as the guarantor for his KITAS.

The Immigration authorities have not yet provided an official confirmation regarding the identity and visa status of Gornen and his female companion, who is also suspected to be a former IDF member.

Nevertheless, Bali Police stated that they will get involved if there are elements of criminal or other legal violations.

This case has attracted attention because it involves the possible use of third-country identities as well as business activities in the luxury property sector, which is sensitive in international tourist areas such as Bali.

Moreover, the background of their alleged involvement as former military personnel strengthens the urgency of supervision. ***