Indonesia Establishes Special Task Force to Address Unruly Tourists in Bali
In a concerted effort to control rising immigration violations and incidents involving foreign visitors, Indonesia’s Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services has launched a dedicated task force aimed at managing unruly tourists on the island of Bali. This new initiative intends to safeguard the island’s reputation as a premier tourist destination and maintain public order.
Comprehensive Patrols Across Key Tourist Areas
The task force consists of 100 immigration officers who will carry out frequent and random patrols in ten of Bali’s most frequented tourist locations. These areas include Canggu in North Kuta, Seminyak, Kerobokan, Matahari Terbit and Benoa Harbours, Pecatu, Mertasari Beach, Kuta, Gianyar, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran. Officers will patrol these areas on motorcycles and in cars, equipped with safety vests and body cameras to enhance transparency and ensure the safety of both officers and the public.
Government Response to Presidential Directive
At the inauguration ceremony held in Denpasar, Immigration Minister Agus Andrianto highlighted the urgency of the initiative, emphasizing it as a direct response to President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to maintain stability and security in Bali, a vital hub for Indonesia’s tourism industry. The task force is charged with providing rapid responses to any immigration violations, deterring criminal behavior, and protecting local communities from disturbances linked to foreign visitors.
Addressing Overtourism and Increasing Violations
Bali has experienced a surge in immigration infractions and criminal reports related to over-tourism in recent years. This has prompted government action to uphold law and order and address the negative impacts of a growing visitor population. The formation of this latest task force builds on previous efforts, such as the “Satgas Bali Becik,” an earlier special team created in 2023 by the Directorate General of Immigration to enforce tourist regulations and curb misconduct by foreign nationals.
Stricter Penalties and Broader Government Measures
Alongside the task force deployment, the Indonesian government has implemented markedly tougher penalties for foreigners violating immigration laws or overstaying visas in Bali. Since 2024, punishment measures have escalated dramatically, with jail terms now ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment in extreme cases—significantly higher than the prior maximum of one year. This crackdown on immigration offenses forms part of a wider government strategy that also includes increasing the number of patrol officers, launching a dedicated tourist hotline, and introducing a tourist tax to better regulate the industry.
Ensuring Bali Remains a Safe and Welcoming Destination
With tourism being a cornerstone of Bali’s economy, authorities are focused on balancing the island’s attractiveness to international travelers with the need to maintain security and local community welfare. By scaling up enforcement and promoting responsible tourism, Indonesia aims to preserve Bali’s cultural and social fabric while continuing to welcome visitors from around the globe.
This development marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to manage the challenges of over-tourism and uphold Bali’s image as a safe, secure, and enjoyable destination for all.
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