Bali Immigration Police Now Equipped with Bodycams to Manage Unruly Tourists
Bali, Indonesia’s premier tourism destination, is stepping up efforts to maintain public order and security amid a surge in visitor numbers. The Bali Immigration Police have recently been outfitted with body cameras as part of a new initiative to tackle instances of unruly tourist behavior and to ensure greater accountability and rapid response to incidents.
Addressing Growing Tourist Numbers and Related Challenges
In 2024, Indonesia welcomed approximately 13.74 million foreign tourists, with Bali receiving 6.3 million visitors—exceeding the island’s local population of 4.3 million. Tourism generated around US$16.7 billion in revenue, contributing 4% to the national GDP. The Indonesian tourism ministry projects an increase in arrivals this year, targeting up to 16 million foreign visitors nationwide, of which about 6.5 million are expected to visit Bali.
However, this influx has been accompanied by a rise in immigration violations and criminal incidents involving tourists. Between November and December 2024 alone, 607 foreigners were deported, and 303 detained across Indonesia. Alarmingly, the first seven months of 2025 have seen a sharp increase to 2,669 deportations and 2,009 detentions nationwide, with Bali recording a significant share of these cases.
Deployment of an Enhanced Immigration Patrol Task Force
To address these challenges, the government has established a dedicated Immigration Patrol Task Force focused on Bali’s main tourist hubs. The unit, comprising 100 immigration officers, patrols key areas including Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, Jimbaran, and the popular tourist center of Kuta.
Equipped with official immigration vehicles and motorcycles, officers wear safety vests fitted with body cameras. These devices are intended to increase transparency during patrols and interactions, helping to deter offenses and assist in legal proceedings when necessary. Patrolling is conducted along predetermined yet randomly varied routes to avoid predictability, enabling a swift response to tourists reported for lawbreaking, public disturbance, or disrespect towards local culture.
Additional Measures to Promote Respectful Tourism
Complementing the patrols, Bali’s governor has introduced new guidelines outlining the expected behavior of tourists, launched in April 2025. These “Do’s and Don’ts” aim to foster greater respect for Bali’s customs and laws.
Further enhancing security and visitor experience, increased numbers of immigration and police officers have been deployed at Bali’s International Airport and throughout the island. To better assist international visitors, many officers are receiving English language training, enabling improved communication in tourism hotspots.
Balancing Tourism Growth with Public Safety
With tourism being a major economic driver in Bali, authorities are committed to ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for both residents and visitors. The integration of bodycams with enhanced patrols is a key step in maintaining Bali’s reputation as a welcoming yet orderly destination, ready to address the challenges accompanying growing international travel.
As Bali continues to attract millions of visitors each year, these measures underscore the island’s proactive approach to managing tourism-related issues while preserving its unique cultural identity and community well-being.
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