Immigration Officers Equipped with Bodycams to Patrol Major Bali Tourism Spots
In a renewed effort to enhance security and maintain public order, Indonesian authorities have announced the deployment of an Immigration Patrol Task Force across top tourism destinations in Bali. This initiative, confirmed by Indonesia’s Minister for Immigration Agus Andrianto, involves officers wearing bodycams conducting regular patrols aimed at curbing unlawful behavior by tourists and ensuring respect for local culture.
Task Force Deployment Aligned with Presidential Directives
The Bali Regional Immigration Patrol Task Force, locally known as Satgas, was established following directives from President Prabowo Subianto, emphasizing the importance of stabilizing security in Bali — one of Indonesia’s premier tourism provinces. Speaking to the media, Minister Andrianto emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving Bali’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination. “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,” he said.
The official launch ceremony took place at Benoa Port involving a multi-agency gathering of 500 personnel including immigration officers, correctional staff, military representatives, Bali Police, local Pamong Praja Police Unit (PP), and traditional pecalang security groups. The legal authority backing this task force is drawn from Immigration Law Number 6 of 2011 and Indonesian Government Regulation Number 31 of 2013. Coverage and Equipment of Patrol Teams
Comprising 100 officers on active ground duty, the Immigration Patrol Task Force is tasked with rapid response to reports involving foreigners who violate laws, disturb public order, or disrespect Balinese cultural norms.
Each officer is outfitted with a safety vest and a body camera to ensure transparency and accountability during patrols. The teams operate with dedicated vehicles, including motorcycles, allowing flexible and efficient coverage. Their operations cover ten strategic locations managed by the Ngurah Rai and Denpasar Immigration Offices.
In North Kuta, patrols focus on popular hotspots such as Canggu, Seminyak, and Kerobokan. Denpasar patrols include Sanur’s Matahari Terbit Beach and Benoa, while operations in Pecatu cover Uluwatu Beach and Bingin Beach alongside Mertasari Beach. Additionally, officers will monitor activities across major tourist hubs like Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Ubud.
Patrol Strategy and Future Plans
Yuldi Yusman, the Acting Director General of Immigration, detailed that patrols would focus on zones prone to immigration violations and areas with intense tourist activity. The patrol schedules are designed to be periodic yet randomized to avoid predictability, enhancing effectiveness in law enforcement.
He further elaborated on future expansions, “We will continue to activate similar operations, both locally, through routine patrols by this Task Force, and nationally, such as the Wira Waspada operation. These efforts aim to maintain national security, deter violations, and uphold public confidence in immigration services.”
Government’s ‘No Mercy’ Approach on Lawbreaking Tourists
This deployment follows recent announcements by Bali Governor Wayan Koster, who took office in early 2025, declaring a strict approach against foreigners breaching laws or undermining Balinese culture. Since November 2024, immigration enforcement across Indonesia, including Bali, has increased significantly with deportations and detentions on the rise. From November to December 2024, there were 607 deportations and 303 detentions nationwide, numbers that surged to 2,669 deportations and 2,009 detentions between January and July 2025, with a marked increase in Bali.
Governor Koster stated on April 14, 2025, “Today is the first momentum for me as Governor to take firm and tough action against foreign tourists who behave badly while in Bali Province. So there is no mercy, and we hope that 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.”
Community and Public Reactions
Public reactions have been mixed, with some expressing concerns about the portrayal of Bali as overly policed, while others support the initiative as necessary for maintaining law and order amid rising tourist numbers. Comments from local and international observers underscore the importance of balancing security measures with ensuring that Bali remains a welcoming destination.
With this new task force now active, Bali aims to reinforce its commitment to a safe tourist environment, deterring lawbreakers while promoting respect for its vibrant cultural heritage. The use of technology, such as body cameras, and coordinated multi-agency support symbolize a modern, proactive approach to immigration enforcement and public safety in Indonesia’s beloved island destination.
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