As travel to Bali continues to boom, so too do deportations off the island. Bali Governor Wayan Koster recently confirmed that nearly 130 foreign nationals were deported from the Indonesian province during the first three months of the year alone – that’s equal to more than one person every day on average.
“I need to convey, from January to March 31, 2025, a total of 128 foreign nationals were deported from Bali,” he told reporters.
“The most were from Russia, 32 people, the United States 10 people, Ukraine 8 people, then Australia, India and Timor Leste each 6 people.”
The Governor, who just started his second term in office, says that the province is upping its crackdown on unruly behaviour, which continues to rear its head in the island.
“Bali is an open house. But that doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want. Anyone who comes must respect Balinese law, customs, and culture,” he remarked.
According to The Bali Sun, Koster said authorities would take a “no mercy” approach to ill-behaved foreigners.
“Today is the first momentum for me as Governor to take firm and tough action against foreign tourists who behave badly while in Bali Province,” he said in a press conference, following the deportation of a US citizen, whose half-naked, drug-fuelled rampage in a Bali hospital went viral on social media earlier this month.
“So there is no mercy and we hope that the deportation carried out will be a lesson and a warning to all foreign tourists visiting Bali to obey the law, and respect Balinese culture and local wisdom.”
The perpetrator, known as MM, apologised for the incident and agreed to cover all the damages caused by his actions, Indonesia’s Tempo media reported.
Damage done
But beyond safety, Koster is also concerned about the damage such incidents could have on the island’s reputation.
“Don’t let our tourism image be damaged by inappropriate behaviour. If we follow other countries, they are orderly in their own countries,” he remarked.
“Try going to Japan, America, Europe and Australia – their citizens are orderly in their own countries. But if they come to Bali, then they are naughty?
“This is strange, so there is no mercy for this, this kind of thing must be dealt with firmly.”
Earlier this year, authorities reported a rise in crime involving both tourists and locals, prompting officials to issue updated safety advice and consider new measures to educate visitors on respectful behaviour. Read about that here.
Led by Bali, Indonesia is one of Australia’s most popular overseas destinations. In February 2025 alone, 106,880 Aussies visited the Southeast Asian nation, according to ABS data.
Meanwhile, new data from Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has revealed the most unexpected things Aussies are really claiming on their holidays in the Indonesian province.
