Foreigner Crime Cases Increase, Bali Tightens Supervision Through Task Force

Illustration of a crime perpetrator being arrested (VOI)

DENPASAR - The Directorate General of Immigration has tightened supervision of foreign nationals (WNA) in Bali by forming an Immigration Patrol Task Force (Satgas). This step was taken following the increase in criminal cases involving foreign tourists in the flagship tourist destination.

Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko said the formation of the task force was a concrete effort to maintain stability and security in Bali.

"The formation of this Immigration Patrol Task Force is a concrete step to maintain stability and security in Bali, Indonesia's leading tourist destination," Hendarsam said in a statement, Wednesday, April 16.

Patrols will be focused on a number of areas that are often the center of foreign tourists' activities, such as Canggu, Kerobokan, Kediri, and Ubud. A task force has also been prepared to respond quickly to potential violations of the law by foreign nationals.

This strengthening of supervision is carried out in the midst of the high number of visits by foreign tourists. Throughout 2025, Bali recorded more than 6.9 million visits by foreign nationals or about 44 percent of the total international visits to Indonesia. However, this increase was accompanied by a surge in legal cases.

Government data shows that around 2,600 foreign nationals were deported and another 2,000 were detained from January to July 2025. Meanwhile, in 2026, at least 165 foreign nationals have been deported and another 62 have been detained.

A number of criminal cases involving foreign nationals have also come under the spotlight. Among them is the murder of a Ukrainian citizen in Gianyar, where the victim was found in a gruesome condition. The police have named seven foreign suspects, but only one Nigerian has been arrested.

Other cases include the stabbing of a Dutch citizen in Kerobokan by two suspects from Brazil, as well as the arrest of an international fugitive from Scotland, Steven Lyons, at Ngurah Rai International Airport. Lyons is on Interpol's wanted list for organized crime, including narcotics and money laundering.

In addition, a Swiss citizen was also arrested for alleged hate speech related to the celebration of Nyepi Day, with a threat of up to five years in prison.

To strengthen supervision, Immigration will also work with village officials and community leaders at the local level. This step is expected to improve early detection of potential violations by foreign nationals.

"We will continue to intensify monitoring, both through routine patrols and national-scale operations, to maintain security and increase public confidence," said Hendarsam.

He emphasized that Bali must remain a safe and friendly tourist destination, but remain firm against any violations of the law.

"Bali must continue to be a friendly destination for quality tourists, while remaining firm in responding to any violations of applicable laws and regulations," he said.