Bali’s Police Chief Calls for International Support to Improve Tourist Behavior

In a significant move to enhance the safety and order in Bali, the Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya has issued a stern warning to consulates in the province. The initiative is aimed at improving tourist behavior by fostering better communication regarding provincial laws and cultural norms among international visitors.

A Rising Concern

The call for heightened awareness comes in light of Bali’s recent decision to deport six foreigners discovered to be violating their visa conditions. This move serves as a reminder that tourists are not exempt from legal accountability in Indonesia. General Adityajaya emphasized to reporters that ‘tourists in Bali are not above the law,’ reiterating that violations will be processed in accordance with local legislation.

During a meeting with consulate generals from 40 countries, the police chief sought their support in maintaining peace and harmony on the island. ‘For that, we need to keep communicating with foreign countries. There are agreements that allow for the handling of a case,’ Adityajaya stated, underlining the collaborative role of consulates in addressing legal issues involving foreigners.

Increasing Legal Issues Among Tourists

Recent data highlights a concerning trend: the number of foreign tourists encountering legal challenges in Bali is on the rise. According to detikBali, 83 foreigners were prosecuted for non-immigration related offenses in 2023, whereas this number escalated to 108 in 2024. This trend is further reflected in traffic violations, with 71 cases reported involving foreigners in 2023, increasing to 91 in the following year.

General Adityajaya pointed out that the growing numbers indicate a need for heightened public security efforts. He noted that both foreign victims and perpetrators are becoming increasingly common in crime reports. Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bali has adopted a zero-tolerance approach toward law violations, particularly focusing on immigration offenses.

Recent Enforcement Actions

Between November 12 and 15, 2024, a notable sting operation conducted by Bali Immigration resulted in the apprehension of 14 foreigners for immigration violations. Additionally, on February 8, 2025, six men from the UK, Canada, Ghana, and India were confirmed for deportation after being caught violating their visa conditions by the Denpasar Immigration Office. Ridha Sah Putra, Head of the Denpasar Immigration Office, announced the deportations during a press conference.

Importance of Tourist Education

Responding to the concerns outlined by General Adityajaya, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, Head of the Bali Tourism Office, emphasized that while the crime rate involving foreign tourists has risen, Bali continues to be a safe and welcoming destination. He attributed many legal issues faced by tourists to a lack of awareness about local regulations and cultural customs.

In an effort to mitigate these issues, the province previously published a comprehensive list of Do’s and Don’ts for tourists, aimed at educating visitors about proper conduct. This guide, introduced in 2023, includes twelve obligations and eight prohibitions intended to promote respectful behavior while visiting Bali.

Guidelines for Respectful Tourism

The Do’s outlined in the guide emphasize the respect for Balinese culture, customs, and traditions, including the need for modest dressing, particularly when visiting sacred places and public areas. Conversely, the prohibitions clarify that tourists must not engage in work or business activities without appropriate documentation or partake in illegal activities such as drug trafficking or trading in protected cultural artifacts.

As Bali gears up for continued growth in tourism, these guidelines serve as a crucial reminder for visitors to engage respectfully with the local community. With Governor Koster likely to renew focus on these regulations in his upcoming term, tourists can expect to receive increased guidance on how to enjoy their stay in Bali while honoring the island’s vibrant culture.

In conclusion, the cooperation between local authorities and international consulates is vital in ensuring tourists adhere to local laws and customs, allowing Bali to maintain its status as a beloved destination for travelers from across the globe.