Concerns regarding public order and safety on the Island of the Gods have come to the forefront. Effective communication and collaboration among various agencies are essential to ensure that tourists feel secure. I Nyoman Budiutama, the Chairman of Commission I of the Bali Regional House of Representatives, emphasized that the current situation in Bali is far from ideal. “The most prominent issue is conventional crime, including theft and traffic violations committed by locals. Additionally, there are allegations of permit violations involving foreign tourists,” Budiutama stated.
Budiutama pointed out that the highest number of violations occurs in the regions of Buleleng, Badung, and Denpasar. He suspects that this vulnerability arises because these areas are significant migration zones with expansive territories. “There will certainly be follow-up meetings to discuss local regulations, which require comprehensive discussions involving experts and law enforcement,” he added.
He urged the provincial, district, and village governments to actively participate in maintaining regional security. According to him, traditional villages play a crucial role as the first line of defense, especially with the support of local security personnel. “The Governor has also issued Governor Regulation No. 20 concerning the Si Pandu Beradat initiative to uphold order. This initiative is implemented at the levels of traditional villages, sub-districts, districts, and the province. Our goal is to collaborate with the police to maintain public order,” he explained.
Kombes Pol Soelistijono, the Head of Operations Bureau at Bali Police, added that the rise in legal violations poses a threat to Bali’s tourism image, particularly its reputation for quality tourism. “There are several issues that require our collective attention. First is the licensing process related to business development, including local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Next is the regulation concerning villas, boarding houses, homestays, and similar establishments,” he noted.
According to data from Bali Police, from January 1 to June 21, 2025, there were 3,538 reported cases of disturbances to public order and safety. This figure includes criminal offenses, violations, and disturbances to public tranquility. The Bali Police also recorded 108 cases of crimes involving foreign nationals during the same period, while incidents involving migrants reached 310 cases.
To combat rising crime rates, Bali Police have implemented several measures, including mapping and detecting activities within the tourism industry, particularly those involving foreigners, as well as deploying personnel to support the Denpasar and Badung police forces.
