Travel transgressions in Bali are nothing new, as are promises to combat them with vigour. But is the Indonesian island cracking down on crime more than ever?
Earlier this year, Balinese authorities concerned about a rise in crime involving both tourists and locals issued new safety advice and considered fresh measures to educate visitors on respectful behaviour.
Then, Bali Governor Wayan Koster confirmed that nearly 130 foreign nationals were deported from the holiday hotspot during the first three months of 2025 for unruly behaviour. At the time, Koster said authorities would take a “no mercy” approach to ill-behaved foreigners.
Now, with the popular island’s peak holiday period approaching, officials have committed to stepping up their efforts to combat crime involving tourists as concerns grow in popular areas like Kuta.
During a meeting to address rising crime rates, including break-ins, muggings and traffic violations, Denpasar Police Chief Muhammad Iqbal Simatupang vowed to “immediately add personnel” at Kuta Police Station and increase patrols, with tourism safety front of mind.
Elsewhere, the head of the popular Kuta Traditional Village, Ngurah Alit Ardana, stressed the need for a collaborative approach to fighting crime, urging more support from police.
According to The Bali Sun, Ardana also highlighted the prevalence of dangerous and illegal driving, affecting both locals and tourists.
“Many vehicles violate the rules, such as not wearing helmets, not having license plates, and violating other traffic and escape the attention of the officer,” he remarked.
Indeed, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) says road users in the province “are often unpredictable or undisciplined”.
“Drive defensively. Some traffic incidents can escalate into violent disputes quickly. Obey traffic laws, including obtaining appropriate driving or motorbike licenses before travelling to Indonesia,” it states on its Smartraveller website.
Meanwhile, in a clear sign of the serious focus on visitor conduct, Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya recently met with Consuls General from all countries based on the island to discuss a recent series of antisocial and illegal activities involving foreign tourists.
“We urge the consuls to improve communication and remind their citizens so that similar incidents do not happen again,” he stated.
Adityajaya added that visitors must “respect the traditions that already exist and run in Bali so far.”
This collaborative effort aims to ensure the destination remains a place “not only interesting in culture and nature but also superior in terms of comfort and safety.”
Adding another layer of protection, Badung Regency Police, covering key tourism hubs like Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta has just launched a new “anti-thug” unit.
The multi-agency team, including police, army, traditional village security (Pecalang) and civil police, will specifically target rising robberies and assaults in public areas, The Bali Sun reports.
Badung Police Chief Arif Batubara emphasised the team’s mission to tackle “acts of violence, abuse, extortion, robbery, extortion, ganging up, threats, and other types of violence”. He urged the public to report any indications of crime.
“Special relationship”
As Bali’s biggest visitor market, the messaging is particularly pertinent for Australian arrivals in the province.
In a recent meeting with Governor Wayan Koster, Australian Consulate General Jo Stevens said, “We continue to work together with the Bali Provincial Government to encourage foreign tourists to comply with local rules and regulations”.
For travel advisors, that means encouraging Bali-bound clients to brush up on the ‘dos and don’ts of the island before they arrive.
“1.5 million Australian tourists visited Bali in 2024, and that is the highest number in history, so I think our people are very happy and really enjoying Bali,” she stated.
“Australia and Indonesia have a close inter-community relationship, which is very clear in Bali. As the main overseas tourist destination for Australians and with a large community of Australians here, Bali has a special place in our relationship with Indonesia.”
The crackdown on crime comes as Balinese authorities revealed an Australian man had been arrested over the alleged smuggling of 1.8kg of cocaine into the province.
According to the ABC, the Australian citizen hasn’t been formally charged yet, but authorities say he could face multiple charges, some carrying the death penalty.
