Indonesia Launches Special Task Force to Manage Unruly Tourists in Bali
Denpasar, August 9, 2025 — In a concerted effort to address the rising challenges posed by unruly and lawbreaking tourists, Indonesia’s Immigration and Correctional Services Ministry has introduced a specialized task force dedicated to monitoring and managing problematic foreign visitors on the island of Bali. This initiative comes amidst a notable uptick in immigration violations and criminal incidents involving tourists, signaling increasing concerns over public safety and community well-being on the renowned resort island.
Task Force Composition and Operations
The newly formed unit comprises 100 immigration officers who will actively patrol Bali’s top tourist destinations. The task force’s operational areas include popular hotspots such as Canggu in North Kuta, Seminyak, Kerobokan, Matahari Terbit and Benoa Harbours, Pecatu, Mertasari Beach, Kuta, Gianyar, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran. Patrols will be carried out using motorcycles and cars, allowing officers to swiftly navigate crowded areas.
To enhance transparency and accountability, officers on duty will be equipped with safety vests and body cameras. This focus on officer safety and documentation underscores the ministry’s commitment to enforcement with respect for due process and community relations.
Governmental Mandate and Objectives
At the inauguration ceremony held in Denpasar, Immigration Minister Agus Andrianto highlighted the urgency and significance of the task force. “This initiative is a direct response to President Prabowo Subianto’s mandate to uphold stability and security in Bali, one of Indonesia’s foremost tourist destinations,” Agus stated.
The task force aims to react quickly to any immigration infractions, discourage repeat offenses, and protect residents and local businesses from disturbances linked to misconduct by foreign visitors. Such measures are seen as vital for safeguarding Bali’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.
Context and Previous Measures
Bali’s surge in immigration violations is largely attributed to overtourism, which has placed pressure on local infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. This current task force builds upon earlier efforts, such as the “Satgas Bali Becik” formed in 2023 by the Directorate General of Immigration, which focused on curbing foreign tourists’ misbehavior and ensuring adherence to immigration laws.
Alongside deploying specialized patrol units, the Indonesian government has intensified penalties against foreigners who breach immigration laws or overstay their visas on the island. Since 2024, sanctions have become significantly harsher, with punishments ranging from 20 years imprisonment to life in extreme cases, a notable increase from prior maximum jail terms of one year.
Additional measures enacted as part of a broader crackdown include increasing the number of patrol officers, launching a dedicated tourist hotline, and implementing a tourist tax aimed at supporting regulatory and community initiatives.
Moving Forward
The introduction of this task force reflects Indonesia’s proactive stance on maintaining order and security in Bali amid the challenges posed by growing international tourism. Authorities remain committed to balancing the island’s economic reliance on foreign visitors with the necessity of preserving social harmony and the safety of both residents and tourists.
As Bali continues to welcome travelers from around the world, the task force’s presence serves as a reminder that adherence to local laws and respectful behavior is essential for everyone’s enjoyment of this culturally rich and beautiful island.
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