3-8-2024 (JAKARTA) The Indonesian resort island of Bali has significantly bolstered its immigration procedures in response to a marked increase in international arrivals. This move comes as the island experiences a substantial uptick in tourism, with visitor numbers swelling to 3.89 million in the first seven months of 2024 – an increase of nearly one million compared to the same period last year.
Pramella Yusnida Pasaribu, who heads the Bali Regional Office of the Law and Human Rights Ministry, announced on Thursday that enhanced screening measures are now in effect at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali’s primary gateway. “We are committed to ensuring strict immigration supervision to maintain security and order in the Bali region,” Pasaribu stated, emphasising the dual goals of facilitating tourism while safeguarding national interests.
The reinforced screening process involves a more thorough examination of travel documents, including passports, visas, and residence permits. To support this initiative, authorities have implemented an integrated immigration information system, designed to track the movements of foreign nationals more effectively. The new measures also incorporate cutting-edge facial recognition technology, further enhancing border control management.
In a move to streamline the entry process while maintaining rigorous checks, Bali’s immigration office has installed 30 autogate units at the international arrival terminal since March 2024. These automated facilities integrate facial recognition with Border Control Management systems. Plans are underway to install an additional 20 units at the departure terminal, bringing the total to 80 autogates across the airport.
The surge in tourism has seen Australians leading the influx with 877,329 visitors, followed by India (328,767) and China (278,329). Significant numbers have also arrived from the United Kingdom, South Korea, the United States, France, Malaysia, Singapore, and Germany.
While welcoming the economic benefits of increased tourism, Bali authorities are also grappling with the challenges it presents. Between January and mid-July 2024, 258 foreigners were deported from the island. This follows a trend of increasing deportations, with 340 in 2023, up from 188 in 2022. Additionally, 318 foreign nationals were denied entry in the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to visa issues or criminal records.
The influx has had a positive impact on Bali’s Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP), with the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office collecting approximately 963.4 billion rupiah (US$60 million) in the first half of 2024, an 8% increase from the previous year. Visa fees constitute about 90% of this revenue, putting the office on track to meet its 1.5 trillion rupiah target for the year.
Pasaribu was keen to reassure visitors that despite the heightened security measures, Bali remains committed to providing a welcoming environment. “We want to ensure that every tourist who comes to Bali can enjoy the natural beauty and culture of Bali safely and comfortably,” she affirmed.
