1-7-2024 (JAKARTA) Authorities in Indonesia’s idyllic island paradise of Bali are tightening their grip on foreign visitors in response to a spate of criminal incidents that have disrupted local communities. The Indonesian Directorate-General of Immigration, working in tandem with the police force, has ramped up surveillance of overseas nationals, with strict enforcement of traffic regulations now in effect.
Saffar Muhammad Godam, the Director of Supervision and Enforcement at the Directorate-General, issued a stern warning. “Immigration administrative sanctions against foreigners who violate the laws are given, so that there is a deterrent effect,” he stated during a press conference at the Denpasar Immigration Detention Centre, as reported by local media outlets.
Concurrent to these measures, the Bali office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights has empowered traditional village authorities across the province to monitor the activities of foreign tourists and take action against those who transgress local laws and customs. “This is an effort to maintain security and order in Bali. By involving village authorities, it will be easier for us, as the immigration, to monitor the foreigners,” explained Pramella Yunidar Pasaribu, the office’s head.
Bali, one of Indonesia’s premiere resort islands, welcomes millions of overseas visitors annually, drawn to its fabled beaches and scenic splendour. However, recent weeks have witnessed a troubling surge in crimes and misconduct perpetrated by foreign tourists, causing public disorder and flouting both national laws and customary regulations.
Just this Wednesday, immigration officers apprehended 103 foreigners – 12 women and 91 men – at a villa in Bali, on suspicion of engaging in cybercrime activities, including online gambling. Deportation proceedings for the entire group are imminent.
Numerous local media reports have documented a growing tide of complaints from Balinese residents regarding the unruly behaviour of certain foreign tourists. Earlier this month, a viral social media video captured a foreign national assaulting a female motorist, striking and kicking her until she fell onto the road.
Another high-profile incident involved an alleged British national commandeering a truck laden with statues, recklessly driving it from Kerobokan to Ngurah Rai International Airport, colliding with multiple vehicles en route and causing damage to airport facilities.
Reckless motorbike riding by overseas visitors, endangering other road users, has become a recurring issue in recent months, while the Bali Immigration office has uncovered several cases of foreigners working illegally on the island.
Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, has underscored the necessity for decisive action to enforce stricter regulations governing foreign visitors, ensuring the comfort and well-being of Bali’s local residents. “The concrete step is to impose strict law enforcement for violators. There is no tolerance, especially when it comes to the falsification of residence permits. The government will not hesitate to deport,” he declared.
Wahyu Budi Nugroho, a sociologist from Udayana University in Bali, emphasized that the unlawful conduct exhibited by some foreign tourists not only harms the local community but also tarnishes the island’s reputation as a cultural and spiritual tourism hub. Nugroho advocated for stringent sanctions against those engaging in illegal activities, emphasizing the importance of preserving Bali’s unique identity and safeguarding its residents.
