Highlighting British YouTuber’s Content, Somya: Chasing Sensation, Should Be on Immigration Watchlist

DENPASAR – A recent video by British YouTuber and influencer Zoe Rae has sparked backlash among Balinese locals and cultural figures, after she claimed that Bali was not as beautiful as it appears on social media. Rae abruptly left the island just two days after arriving, opting instead to celebrate her wedding anniversary in Dubai.

In a vlog posted to her YouTube channel with over 140,000 subscribers, Zoe expressed disappointment, stating that “the reality of Bali is very different from what we saw on social media.” She also criticized the Uluwatu area, despite staying at the five-star Radisson Blu hotel, claiming it did not meet her expectations.

The video drew strong reactions not only from Indonesian netizens but also from Balinese community leaders. One of the most vocal responses came from I Made Somya Putra, a Balinese advocate and activist, who accused Zoe of deliberately undermining Bali’s image.

“In my view, this YouTuber is trying to bring Bali down with content that seems to follow a particular agenda, possibly even a sponsored one,” Somya asserted.

He emphasized that Zoe’s opinion was out of sync with the majority of influencers who frequently praise Bali’s natural beauty and world-class destinations, especially the Uluwatu area, known for its stunning beaches and luxury accommodations.

“It’s like taking one sip of seawater and claiming to understand the entire ocean. It’s completely unfair to judge Bali after just 48 hours and present that view as the full truth,” Somya added.

While he acknowledged the importance of free expression, Somya warned that commercial content made without permits especially when misleading could harm Bali’s reputation on a global scale.

“Immigration should place individuals like this on a watchlist. If they attempt to re-enter Indonesia, their motives should be scrutinized. We cannot let people exploit Bali to generate income from provocative and negative content,” he urged.

Although Zoe later admitted that their poor experience may have stemmed from a lack of personal research, she stood by her comment that “Bali is just not for us” a statement that further fueled the perception that the couple was chasing online controversy.

Public concern has also turned to potential legal violations. As an influencer monetizing content while in Indonesia, Zoe may have breached immigration laws by working without a proper visa. Foreign nationals engaging in unauthorized work face penalties, including fines, deportation, and entry bans.

Several figures from Bali’s tourism sector have called for Zoe’s content to be reported and potentially blocked for its misleading nature.

“They don’t understand what Bali really is, yet they pass judgment and broadcast to the world that Bali is a disappointment. That’s simply unfair,” said Yuli Budi Santoso, a local travel agent.

Though Zoe and her husband are now enjoying a lavish vacation at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, the wave of criticism against their Bali statements continues. The episode serves as a stark reminder that some destinations cannot be evaluated at a glance and that Bali, with its deep cultural roots, is not a playground for content creators who lack respect. (Ray)

As reported by dailymail.co.uk