Bali, often called the “Island of the Gods,” is one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations, famous for its lush rice terraces, sacred temples, and surf-friendly beaches. Each year, millions of international visitors flock to the island for its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. But with popularity comes pressure. In recent years, Bali has struggled with a surge in unruly tourist behavior, immigration violations, and even crime linked to foreigners.

To address these challenges, Indonesian authorities have launched a new initiative: equipping immigration police with body cameras as part of stepped-up patrols in Bali’s busiest tourist hubs. The move aims to restore order, ensure accountability, and remind visitors that while Bali welcomes the world, it also expects respect for its laws and traditions.

Background: Rising Concerns Across Bali

Bali, one of Indonesia’s top tourism destinations — with over 6.3 million visitors and soaring numbers anticipated — has faced a surge in immigration offenses and crime associated with foreign tourists. Between November–December 2024, there were 607 deportations and 303 detentions; in the first half of 2025 alone, these rose sharply to 2,669 and 2,009, respectively.

The New Task Force: Satgas Bali Regional Immigration Patrol

In response, the Immigration and Correctional Services Ministry formed a Special Immigration Patrol Task Force (commonly referred to as Satgas), mandated to enhance security and enforce immigration laws more effectively. Immigration Minister Agus Andrianto confirmed that the task force was established under President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to ensure stability and order in Bali.

Scope & Deployment Areas

• Personnel: Approximately 100 immigration officers.
• Equipment: Safety vests, bodycams, motorcycles, and official vehicles.
• Patrol Areas: Ten key tourism hotspots, including:

North Kuta: Canggu, Seminyak, Kerobokan

Denpasar region: Sanur’s Matahari Terbit Beach, Benoa

Bukit Peninsula: Uluwatu, Bingin, Mertasari Beach

Other hotspots: Kuta, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Gianyar.

• Patrol Pattern: Conducted both periodically and at random to avoid predictability.

Objectives & Rationale

• Rapid Response: Quickly address law-breaking behavior or cultural disrespect.
• Deterrence: Discourage immigration violations and reinforce compliance among tourists.
• Public Accountability: Bodycams aim to increase transparency and accountability during patrols.
• Support Local Communities: Protect residents from disturbances caused by irresponsible tourist behavior

Past & Complementary Measures

• Legal Reinforcement: Since 2024, harsher penalties have been introduced—immigration violators now face sentences ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment in extreme cases, compared to previous maximums of one year.
• Tourism Guidelines: The Bali provincial government issued a “no mercy” warning toward misbehaving tourists and published a “Dos & Don’ts” list to guide visitor conduct.
• Systemic Adjustments: A new hybrid visa-extension process now requires tourists to register online and complete in-person biometric checks at immigration offices, strengthening oversight.
• Context: Locals and authorities have expressed growing concern over changes in tourist demographics since the pandemic—particularly increased low-budget, longer-term stays, and crime incidents linked to digital nomads and backpackers.

Looking Ahead: What to Watch For

• Short-Term: The current patrol initiative is set through August 31, with the possibility of extension depending on results and trends.
• Impact Assessment: Effectiveness will depend not only on enforcement but also on whether it fosters more respectful behavior among visitors—or leads to criticisms of over-policing.
• Sustainable Tourism: With Bali projecting up to 6.5 million international arrivals this year, longer-term strategies emphasizing “quality over quantity” may gain traction.

Summary Table

This concerted enforcement move reflects Bali’s determination to safeguard its tourism appeal through order and cultural respect.