In a significant move to uphold public order and ensure the smooth operation of its vital tourism sector, police authorities in Bali have issued a direct appeal to foreign consulates. They are seeking collaborative efforts to tighten the supervision and management of international visitors on the famed Indonesian resort island.
Bali Police Chief Daniel Adityajaya underscored the shared responsibility of maintaining security, stating, “Bali is a global destination. Security is a responsibility we must all share to ensure that tourism functions smoothly and delivers benefits for all stakeholders.” The gravity of the situation was reflected in a high-level meeting held on October 31st, attended by representatives from numerous key consulates, including those from Australia, China, Japan, the United States, and Russia. This meeting mirrored a similar, earlier session organized by Adityajaya back in February, highlighting the persistent nature of the challenges.
The need for increased scrutiny is evident in the alarming crime statistics. Over the first ten months of the year alone, the island recorded 301 criminal cases involving a total of 309 foreign nationals. While general visa and immigration irregularities are common, foreigners have been increasingly implicated in more serious offenses. These include complex crimes such as drug trafficking, sophisticated fraud schemes, illicit investment activities, and various forms of cybercrime.
Collaborative Enforcement and Escalating Concerns
The Bali Police recognize the complexity of the issue, acknowledging that they cannot manage the situation in isolation. Police representative Suwandi Prihantoro emphasized the necessity of a multi-agency approach, requiring robust coordination with local government bodies, sectoral departments, and the immigration enforcement division, all working towards establishing a more disciplined and orderly Bali.
As part of the intensified effort, local authorities have begun conducting unannounced, surprise passport and residency checks across the island’s most popular and densely populated tourist hubs. Areas like Canggu, Ubud, and Legian are frequent targets for these sweeps, designed to quickly identify and address status violations.
“The number of foreign nationals involved in criminal incidents is steadily climbing. Consequently, consulates have been officially requested to step up their support in protecting and advising their citizens during their stay in Bali,” Prihantoro stated, stressing the protective role the consulates must play.
The recent October meeting concluded with a consensus among all parties to sustain and expand these joint inspection campaigns targeting foreigners. Crucially, the consulates agreed to appoint dedicated liaison officers. This measure is intended to streamline the critical exchange of information, thereby preventing cultural misunderstandings or diplomatic friction that could potentially tarnish Bali’s invaluable tourism brand.
Strict Deportation Policy and Enhanced Immigration Control
The crackdown has already yielded substantial results in terms of enforcement. Working in tandem with local administrations, the police are actively tracing, apprehending, and processing individuals who commit violations. This year, a total of 236 foreign nationals have already been officially deported from Bali. The breakdown reveals that the largest contingents of deported individuals hail from Russia, the US, Australia, Ukraine, and India.
In direct response to the surge in immigration breaches, the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration has established a new special task force. This dedicated team is specifically mandated to routinely check the residency status of foreign visitors. These frequent passport checks are a visible feature in all major tourist zones on the island, signaling a zero-tolerance stance on overstaying or violating visa conditions.
Commitment to High-Quality and Responsible Tourism
With current projections estimating that over 6.5 million international tourists will visit Bali this year, the authorities are resolute in their commitment to fostering “safe and high-quality tourism,” according to Police Chief Adityajaya.
Adityajaya delivered a clear warning: “Ignorance of the law is not and will not be accepted as a viable defense.” He affirmed that police action will remain decisive and strict against all forms of transgression.
To proactively mitigate instances of inappropriate tourist behavior, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has taken steps to publish a detailed set of Code of Conduct guidelines specifically for international guests. These rules emphasize the paramount importance of respecting local Balinese culture, particularly stressing the need for reverence at temples and holy sites, expressly forbidding actions such as climbing sacred trees, and insisting upon maintaining solemnity in all places of religious significance.
