Immigration Officers Equipped with Bodycams to Patrol Key Bali Tourism Areas
Bali, August 7, 2025 – In a move aimed at enhancing security and maintaining public order in Bali’s top tourism destinations, the Indonesian Ministry of Immigration has announced the deployment of a specialized patrol task force. Known as the Bali Regional Immigration Patrol Task Force, or Satgas, this unit will consist of immigration officers conducting regular patrols while equipped with body cameras to monitor activities involving tourists and foreigners.
Presidential Directive to Secure Bali as a Premier Tourist Destination
Minister for Immigration Agus Andrianto confirmed that the deployment follows directives from President Prabowo Subianto, who emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and security on the island, which is regarded as Indonesia’s flagship tourism destination. Speaking to reporters, Minister Andrianto stated, “The establishment of this Immigration Patrol Task Force is a follow-up from the President’s direction to ensure stability and security in Bali as one of Indonesia’s main tourist destinations.”
The task force deployment was ceremonially launched at Benoa Port earlier this week. The ceremony saw the participation of over 500 personnel from various agencies, including Immigration and Correctional Agencies, the Indonesian Army, Bali Police, the Pamong Praja Police Unit, and the traditional security group known as pecalang. This collaborative approach underscores the commitment to enforce immigration laws and uphold local cultural values.
Task Force Composition and Operational Scope
The Bali Regional Immigration Patrol Task Force will initially include 100 officers stationed across strategic locations. Each officer will be outfitted with a safety vest and a body camera to document patrol activities and ensure accountability. The team is supported by official immigration vehicles and motorcycles, enabling rapid response to any incidents involving foreigners reported for law violations, disturbances, or disrespectful behavior toward Balinese culture.
Patrols will be conducted across ten key hotspots within the jurisdictions of the Ngurah Rai and Denpasar Immigration Offices. Areas targeted for regular monitoring include:
- North Kuta: Canggu, Seminyak, Kerobokan
- Denpasar: Sanur’s Matahari Terbit Beach, Benoa
- Pecatu: Uluwatu Beach, Bingin Beach, Mertasari Beach
- Other popular tourist centers: Kuta resort area, Nusa Dua, and Ubud
According to Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman, the patrols will follow predetermined routes in locations prone to immigration violations or tourist activity but will be conducted periodically and at random times to avoid predictability. “Patrol Officers will patrol the predetermined route, especially in areas prone to immigration violations or areas where international tourist activities are concentrated. The patrol movement schedule is carried out periodically and randomly to avoid predictable patterns,” he explained.
Strengthening Enforcement and Cultural Respect
This initiative is part of a broader effort to crack down on unruly tourists and foreigners who violate Indonesian laws or local customs. Bali Governor Wayan Koster, in a statement from April 2025, endorsed a ‘no mercy’ policy toward foreigners engaging in misconduct, underscoring the province’s dedication to preserving cultural integrity and lawfulness.
Statistics from the Directorate General of Immigration illustrate the urgency of the initiative. From November to December 2024, immigration authorities executed 607 deportations and 303 detentions across Indonesia, with a sharp increase in Bali from January to July 2025, witnessing 2,669 deportations and 2,009 detentions. Governor Koster emphasized that these enforcement actions aim to serve as deterrents: “The deportation carried out will be a lesson and a warning to all foreign tourists visiting Bali to obey the law, and respect Balinese culture and local wisdom.”
Ongoing and Future Security Measures
Beyond the current patrol deployments, the Immigration Directorate General indicated plans to sustain similar operations both locally and nationally. These efforts include routine task force patrols and wider nationwide campaigns, such as Wira Waspada, aimed at maintaining national security, preventing violations, and fostering public confidence in immigration enforcement.
The introduction of bodycams marks a significant advancement in ensuring transparency and professionalism in the patrols, expected to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement in Bali’s most frequented tourist areas.
Conclusion
The deployment of the Bali Regional Immigration Patrol Task Force, equipped with body cameras and supported by multiple security agencies, signals Indonesia’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage and maintaining a secure environment for both residents and visitors. With Bali continuing to attract millions of tourists each year, such proactive security measures are vital to preserve its standing as a world-class tourist destination while promoting respect for local traditions and laws.
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