Indonesian Deputy Tourism Minister Urges Boost in Security at Bali Resorts Following Fatal Shooting
Denpasar, Indonesia – June 25, 2025
In response to a recent fatal shooting at a villa in Bali, Indonesia’s Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa has called for enhanced security measures across the island’s tourism accommodations to safeguard both visitors and locals.
Incident Sparks Concern
On June 14, two armed assailants entered Vila Casa Santisya in Munggu Village, near the popular tourist hub of Canggu, where they fatally shot 32-year-old Zivan Radmanovic and seriously injured 35-year-old Sanar Ghanim. Both victims are reportedly linked to organized crime groups and were known to Australian law enforcement authorities. Fortunately, their partners who were present during the incident escaped unharmed. The shooting has been identified as a targeted attack connected to ongoing gang conflicts rather than a random act of violence against tourists.
Official Response and Call for Increased Security
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the annual Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar, Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa emphasized the seriousness of the event and the need to reinforce security protocols throughout Bali’s tourism sector. “We are very concerned about what happened and this has been handled by the police. This is also a reflection for us that security issues are very important,” she stated.
Minister Puspa stressed the importance of bolstering supervision and security standards at hotels, guesthouses, villas, hostels, and bed-and-breakfast establishments to prevent similar incidents in the future. “The main one is to improve the safety in the hotel itself. So the supervision and security in the hotel must also be increased so that things like this do not happen again,” she added.
Ongoing Police Investigation
The Indonesian National Police have detained two suspects in connection with the shooting. National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo informed the media on June 17 that one suspect had been apprehended in Jakarta, with the other currently en route from overseas. Authorities continue their investigation into the criminal network involved.
Impact on Tourism and International Relations
As international tourism rebounds, Bali remains a favorite destination, particularly for Australian visitors who comprise nearly half of Bali’s foreign tourists. In light of the incident, the Australian government updated its travel advisory, urging visitors to exercise a "high degree of caution" when traveling in Bali. This cautionary advice follows a series of safety concerns, including a recent fast boat capsizing near Nusa Lembongan.
Despite this, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles reassured the public, affirming Bali’s status as a safe and welcoming holiday destination. “I don’t want to make it seem like there’s something big that we’re doing with this travel advisory. This is just a routine update. It’s a note of caution regarding the use of ships or sea transportation,” he explained. “Bali remains a favorite destination for Australians. It is an important part of our bilateral relationship and something that we strongly support.”
Minister Puspa acknowledged these developments and reiterated the importance of cooperation among tourism providers and visitors to maintain Bali’s safety and hospitality standards. “If we see the messages are good, respecting local communities, increasing awareness and being reminded that if, for example, going to the beach and so on, we must pay attention to safety when traveling. That’s a good thing and we must encourage it together,” she said.
Community Reactions and Forward Steps
The Bali community and tourism operators have shown mixed responses to the incident. While some stress that such violent acts are isolated and linked to criminal elements rather than ordinary tourists or locals, others call for stronger law enforcement measures to ensure the safety of all parties.
Authorities encourage travelers planning visits to Bali to stay informed by consulting their respective government travel advisories and to adhere to local safety guidelines during their stay.
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