Bali Immigration Police Now Equipped with Bodycams to Combat Unruly Tourist Behavior
Bali, Indonesia – As one of the world’s premier travel destinations, Bali continues to welcome millions of international visitors each year, with a significant influx from Australia, Southeast Asia, Russia, Europe, and the United States. With this growing tourist traffic, the local government has recognized the increasing need to maintain public order and safety in the island’s busiest areas. In response, Bali’s Immigration Police force has been recently outfitted with body-worn cameras to strengthen efforts against unruly tourist behavior and immigration-related offenses.
Rising Tourist Numbers and Security Challenges
In 2024, Indonesia received approximately 13.74 million foreign tourists, with 6.3 million of those visitors coming to Bali—surpassing the island’s resident population of 4.3 million. The massive influx contributed roughly US$16.7 billion to the nation’s economy, accounting for about 4 percent of its GDP. This year, the tourism ministry has set ambitious targets, aiming for up to 16 million foreign visitors nationwide, including an estimated 6.5 million tourists visiting Bali alone.
However, the surge in tourism has been accompanied by a rise in immigration-related offenses and criminal activities, prompting authorities to take firmer measures. Nationally, between November and December 2024, 607 foreigners were deported and 303 detained. By mid-2025, those numbers had escalated alarmingly, with 2,669 deportations and 2,009 detentions reported across Indonesia. Bali, in particular, has seen a sharp increase in cases involving foreign visitors.
Enhanced Patrols with Bodycams for Transparency and Safety
To address these concerns, the newly formed Immigration Patrol Task Force has been deployed across Bali’s key tourist hotspots. This unit, comprising 100 immigration officers, patrols on motorcycles and in official vehicles, all while wearing safety vests equipped with body cameras. These devices provide an additional level of accountability for officers and help ensure transparent enforcement actions.
The patrol team focuses on ten major tourism areas, including popular destinations such as Canggu and Seminyak—both known as surfers’ paradises—the cultural heart of Ubud, the seafood hub of Jimbaran, and Kuta, a favorite among Australian travelers. Officers follow both preset and randomized patrol routes to remain unpredictable and effective.
The Immigration Patrol Task Force offers swift intervention in cases where foreign visitors breach Indonesia’s laws, disrupt public order, or show disrespect to local customs and traditions. The initiative is part of a broader government effort to maintain Bali’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.
Additional Measures to Promote Respectful Tourism
Beyond the patrol efforts, Bali’s governor has implemented new guidelines outlining “Dos and Don’ts” for tourists as part of a crackdown on disrespectful and disruptive behaviors. Released in April 2025, these guidelines aim to educate visitors about local customs and expected conduct.
At Bali’s international airport, travelers will notice an increased presence of officers conducting continuous patrols to ensure both arrivals and departures enjoy a safe and comfortable experience. Furthermore, police officers stationed in tourist zones are receiving English language training to improve communication and service quality for international visitors.
Looking Ahead
With these enhanced security measures, including the deployment of bodycam-wearing immigration officers, Bali is working diligently to preserve the island’s safety, cultural integrity, and appealing atmosphere for tourists worldwide. Authorities remain committed to striking a balance between welcoming visitors and upholding the local community’s standards and traditions.
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