Tourists Urged to Stay Vigilant at Bali Airport Amid Ongoing Security Efforts Against Opportunistic Crime
October 3, 2025 — With Bali’s tourism rebounding strongly, visitors transiting through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport are being cautioned to maintain heightened awareness of their belongings, as local authorities intensify efforts to curb opportunistic criminal activity within the airport complex.
Despite around-the-clock security operations aimed at safeguarding passengers and airport personnel, officials acknowledge that criminals continue to exploit moments of carelessness, particularly in high-traffic areas. The Ngurah Rai Airport Area Police have issued advisories encouraging travelers to be especially cautious in busy zones such as arrival and departure pick-up and drop-off points, parking lots, and common meeting places within the airport environment.
Ipda I Gede Suka Artana, Head of Public Relations for the Ngurah Rai Airport Area Police, emphasized the nature of these crimes, noting, “The crime exists because there is an opportunity. When we give an opportunity, then the perpetrator will plan his action.” He highlighted that offenders not only target valuables directly on travelers but also take advantage of unattended items such as bags, phones, headphones, and wallets left momentarily unattended.
To combat these risks, police personnel have reinforced their presence throughout the airport premises and utilize continuous surveillance to detect suspicious behavior. Artana expressed the law enforcement commitment to passenger safety, stating, “We want to make sure that every passenger feels protected from the moment they arrive until they leave the airport. The presence of the police in the field is not only a matter of security, but also a real form of humanistic service of the National Police to the community.”
The warning arrives amid impressive tourist arrival statistics, illustrating Bali’s status as a top international destination. Between January and August 2025, Bali’s airport welcomed approximately 4.8 million international visitors—a 12.4% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2024. July recorded the highest volume, with nearly 719,000 international arrivals, averaging some 23,000 daily passengers. August continued this trend with over 700,000 arrivals as tourists capitalized on the extended school holidays.
General Manager Ahmad Syaugi Shahab reported that Australian travelers remain the largest source of international visitors, with over 1,094,000 arrivals through August—up 6.3% from the previous year. Indian tourists followed, with nearly 395,000 arrivals, marking a 5.5% increase. Notably, Chinese tourists demonstrated the most significant growth rate at 20.6%, totaling nearly 394,000 arrivals. Other leading nationalities included visitors from South Korea and the United Kingdom.
Shahab expressed optimism about continued growth and emphasized ongoing improvements to passenger services. Highlighting recent enhancements, he pointed to the rollout of the “All Indonesia” system—a collaborative integration with Immigration, Customs and Excise, and other authorities—implemented since July 2025. This system streamlines arrival formalities, allowing international passengers to complete entry procedures more swiftly and effortlessly.
While Bali Airport authorities remain focused on upgrades and convenience, they urge all visitors to remain vigilant to avoid becoming victims of opportunistic theft. Travelers are advised to keep valuables securely on their person and never leave belongings unattended, especially in bustling arrival and departure areas.
The combination of enhanced security vigilance and traveler awareness aims to ensure that I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport continues to serve as a safe, welcoming gateway to Bali’s renowned hospitality and cultural allure.
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