Rising Crime in Bali Sparks Concern Over Tourist Demographics and Safety
Bali, Indonesia — The Indonesian island of Bali, renowned for its serene landscapes and vibrant tourism, is witnessing a notable surge in crime, prompting both locals and authorities to question whether the profile of tourists visiting the island has changed for the worse.
Shift in Tourist Demographic Spurs Unease
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Bali has seen a shift in the types of visitors arriving. According to local politicians and residents, a wave of backpackers, digital nomads, and long-term expats with smaller budgets have been increasingly common. Agung Bagus Pratiksa Linggih, a Bali politician, noted that the quality of tourists is perceived to be declining, partly attributed to the rapid expansion of illegal homestays that allow low-budget foreigners to extend their stay.
Paul Werner, owner of PaD Bar and Grill in Kuta and a decade-long Bali resident originally from Adelaide, highlighted that crime often follows where tourists congregate. He described much of the criminal activity as involving intoxicated western tourists engaging in fights over trivial disputes, raising the question: "Is crime getting worse here, or are the tourists coming here getting worse?"
Notable Incidents and Rising Crime Statistics
The island was shaken in June by the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Melbourne man Zivan Radmanovic, who was killed in his villa in Munggu. Balinese police have charged three Australians with murder in connection with the case, alleging premeditation. The investigation continues, with authorities exploring if Radmanovic was the intended target.
Historically, Bali’s connection with Australia has been troubled by various incidents, from drug smuggling to high-profile cases like the Bali Nine and Schapelle Corby trials. Locals recount that while general safety remains relatively intact, the visibility of organized crime appears to be increasing. Melbourne resident Jan Laczynski, who lost friends in the 2002 Bali bombings, was surprised by the emergence of shootings on the island, an uncommon occurrence in Bali compared to Australian cities.
Despite Indonesia’s reputation for low crime rates—data from Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency in 2023 recorded only three firearm-related crimes in Bali, with a homicide rate of 0.4 per 100,000 people—there has been a 16% increase in foreigners involved in crime. Police recorded 226 cases in 2024 compared to 194 in 2023, including offenses ranging from cybercrime and narcotics to violent crimes and land fraud.
Local Voices Call for Stronger Measures
Piter Panjaitan, a social justice advocate in Bali, expressed concerns about the increasing criminal activities, citing methamphetamine labs, villa robberies, crypto scams, property fraud, and ATM thefts often linked to Russian and Eastern European groups. He attributes the growth of crime to Bali’s open-door tourism policy, economic hardships following the pandemic, weak law enforcement, and corruption. Panjaitan urged the government to implement stricter immigration controls, enhance police training in tourist hotspots, and collaborate more effectively with international agencies, emphasizing the need for "quality tourism, not just quantity."
Experts Warn of Growing Organized Crime
Adrianus Meliala, a criminology professor at the University of Indonesia, warned that Bali could soon face escalating organized crime. He observed changing demographics with more foreigners settling long-term, some bringing conflicts and criminal influences from their home countries. Meliala suggested that Bali’s proximity to Australia, affordability, and law enforcement challenges make the island attractive to criminal groups seeking economic and logistical advantages.
Impact of Tourism Boom on Local Communities
Bali welcomes around half a million tourists each month, and the provincial government aims to reach a record 6.5 million international visitors this year. This influx, combined with the rapid construction of approximately 400 new villas in Munggu village, many owned by foreigners, is transforming agricultural areas into dense residential developments.
Local leaders like Munggu village chief I Ketut Darta express concern over the rapid changes affecting community safety. Historically peaceful, with virtually no violent incidents, the village now faces security challenges amid increased foreign presence. To safeguard their way of life and the tourism economy, villagers maintain round-the-clock patrols.
Balancing Growth and Safety
Bali’s officials and residents face the ongoing challenge of balancing tourism growth with community safety and social stability. While the island remains one of Indonesia’s safest regions, the recent rise in crime linked to foreigners demands attention to sustainable development policies, improved law enforcement, and thoughtful integration of the diverse international visitor base.
As Bali continues to welcome visitors from around the world, locals hope for measures that preserve the island’s famed tranquility, ensuring that tourism benefits both residents and travelers alike, without compromising security and quality of life.
Add a comment