Immigration Officers Equipped with Bodycams to Patrol Major Bali Tourism Destinations
In a decisive move to enhance security and uphold local culture, the Indonesian government has initiated the deployment of a specialized Immigration Patrol Task Force to monitor key tourism hotspots in Bali. The initiative, confirmed by Indonesia’s Minister of Immigration Agus Andrianto, involves officers wearing body cameras as they patrol areas frequented by foreign tourists.
Task Force Deployment and Objectives
The Bali Regional Immigration Patrol Task Force, locally known as Satgas, was formally launched at a ceremony held at Benoa Port, attended by over 500 officials from various law enforcement and government agencies including Immigration, Correctional Services, the Army, Bali Police, the Pamong Praja Police Unit (PP), and traditional Balinese security personnel, the pecalang.
Minister Andrianto emphasized that this development aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives aiming to stabilize security in Bali, Indonesia’s premier tourism 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.
Task Force Composition and Legal Framework
The task force consists of 100 officers designated to provide rapid responses to reports of foreigners violating laws, disrupting public order, or disrespecting Balinese culture. The officers will patrol across ten strategic locations within the Ngurah Rai and Denpasar Immigration jurisdictions.
Each officer will be equipped with a safety vest and body camera to record patrol activities and encounters, enhancing transparency and accountability. Official vehicles, including motorcycles, have been allocated to facilitate mobility.
The legal basis for this operation comes under Law Number 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration (Article 66, paragraph 2, letter b) and Indonesian Government Regulation Number 31 of 2013 (Article 181).
Patrol Zones and Schedule
The patrol areas are carefully selected to cover high-traffic tourist destinations prone to immigration violations:
- North Kuta: Canggu, Seminyak, and Kerobokan
- Denpasar: Sanur’s Matahari Terbit Beach and Benoa
- Pecatu: Uluwatu Beach, Bingin Beach, and Mertasari Beach
- Other Key Spots: Kuta resort area, Nusa Dua, and Ubud
Yuldi Yusman, Acting Director General of Immigration, explained that patrols would operate on randomized and periodic schedules to avoid predictable patterns, focusing efforts where violations are most likely to occur or where international tourist activities concentrate.
“This approach is intended not just to respond to issues but also to provide a preventive effect, maintaining public trust in immigration services and national security,” Yusman added.
Government’s Firm Stance on Foreign Lawbreakers
The announcement of the task force complements earlier statements from Bali Governor Wayan Koster, who, in April 2025 shortly after taking office, vowed a ‘no mercy’ policy toward foreigners found breaking laws or disrespecting local customs.
Governor Koster emphasized that deportations would serve as a warning to deter misconduct and protect Balinese culture, highlighting a significant rise in immigration administrative actions nationwide and particularly in Bali. Between November 2024 and July 2025, deportations and detentions related to immigration infringements have notably increased, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enforcing immigration regulations.
Community Response and Opinions
The initiative has drawn mixed responses. Some tourists and residents appreciate the effort to maintain order, especially in busy tourist areas, arguing it reassures law-abiding visitors and locals alike. Others express concerns that the enhanced patrols might contribute to an overly strict or intimidating atmosphere for tourists.
Some voices point out the importance of focusing on local illegal activities such as drug trafficking and counterfeit money operations, alongside foreign violations, to holistically improve Bali’s safety and reputation.
Conclusion
With the implementation of the Immigration Patrol Task Force, Bali authorities are signaling a robust commitment to upholding lawfulness and preserving local culture amid a growing influx of international visitors. The introduction of bodycam-equipped officers operating in vital tourist zones under a clear legal framework reflects a modernized approach to immigration enforcement and public security in Indonesia’s top vacation destination.
Add a comment