Bali Immigration Police Equipped with Bodycams to Tackle Unruly Tourist Behavior
Bali, Indonesia – In an effort to maintain peace and security amidst the island’s booming tourism sector, Bali’s Immigration Police have been outfitted with body cameras as part of a new initiative to crack down on unruly tourists. This move is a response to an increasing number of immigration-related offenses and disturbances involving tourists visiting the island.
Responding to Rising Tourism and Related Offenses
Bali remains one of the top international travel destinations, attracting visitors primarily from Australia, Southeast Asia, Russia, Europe, and the United States. In 2024 alone, the island welcomed approximately 6.3 million tourists, surpassing its resident population of 4.3 million. Tourism generated a significant US$16.7 billion, contributing around 4 percent to Indonesia’s GDP. For 2025, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism aims to welcome up to 16 million foreign visitors nationwide, with 6.5 million expected to explore Bali.
However, alongside this surge in visitors, there has been a sharp rise in immigration violations and tourist misconduct. Nationwide, deportations and detentions of foreign nationals have escalated drastically—from 607 deportations and 303 detentions during November-December 2024 to 2,669 deportations and 2,009 detentions within the first seven months of 2025. Bali has been a significant hotspot for these incidents.
Enhanced Patrols with Bodycams for Greater Accountability
To address these challenges, the government has established a specialized Immigration Patrol Task Force comprising 100 officers who will be deployed across Bali’s most frequented tourist areas. These include Canggu and Seminyak, known for their surf culture; Ubud, the island’s spiritual center; Jimbaran, famous for its seafood; and Kuta, popular particularly among Australian tourists.
The officers will conduct patrols on motorcycles and in official vehicles, wearing safety vests equipped with body cameras. This technology aims to increase transparency and accountability during interactions with tourists. Patrols will be carried out on predetermined routes but executed randomly and periodically to avoid predictability.
The primary role of the task force is to respond swiftly to incidents involving foreigners who violate laws, disrupt public order, or disrespect local customs and culture. The deployment of bodycams is expected to deter misconduct and provide reliable evidence should investigations be required.
Additional Measures to Uphold Public Safety
Beyond the immigration patrols, the Bali governor has introduced stricter measures to curb inappropriate tourist behavior. In April 2025, new guidelines outlining the Do’s and Don’ts for tourists were enacted, emphasizing respect for Balinese customs and regulations.
At Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali’s main entry point, there has been an increased presence of officers conducting around-the-clock patrols to enhance public safety and tourist comfort. Furthermore, police officers assigned to key tourism areas are undergoing English language training to improve communication and service for international visitors.
Commitment to a Safe and Respectful Tourism Environment
With tourism being a vital pillar of Bali’s economy, these efforts underscore the local government’s commitment to creating a safe environment that respects cultural values and maintains order. Through the deployment of the Immigration Patrol Task Force equipped with bodycams and complementary policies, Bali aims to protect its image as a welcoming destination while addressing issues related to unruly tourist behavior.
These initiatives reflect a broader strategy to balance the growth of tourism with the preservation of community harmony and cultural integrity on the island. Visitors are encouraged to adhere to local laws and customs to ensure a positive experience for both tourists and residents alike.
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