Bali’s authorities are seriously concerned that some visitors have started mistaking hospitality for complete impunity. Officials are increasingly calling for Bali’s unique atmosphere to be protected from those who do not respect local laws and traditions. To restore the island’s status as one of the safest places in the world, law enforcement is moving to decisive action.
Experts note a dangerous trend: among certain groups of foreigners, a belief has formed that the law in Bali is “cheap”.
It is believed that you can easily avoid responsibility for serious offences here, and that the harshest punishment is simply deportation. This sense of impunity has led to foreigners appearing more and more often in crime reports.
At the same time, statistics show that the victims of such crimes are increasingly other visitors from abroad. In last year’s offenders’ league table, citizens of Russia, Australia and the United States top the list.
The authorities have decided that the time for preventive talks is over.
One tool to help maintain order will be 24/7 hotlines. Residents and tourists are encouraged not to ignore violations, but to report them directly to officers. This includes cases of aggressive behaviour, illegal work or clear breaches of visa rules.
Also, in April the island is officially opening new full-service immigration offices in Tabanan and Klungkung (including Nusa Penida).
This means controls in these areas will now be continuous and strict, and inspectors will be able to respond quickly to any call-outs.
Here are the current contacts by area of responsibility, operating 24/7:
General line for all of Bali (Regional Centre): 0822-2161-6066
Kuta, Canggu, Bukit area (Ngurah Rai Immigration): 0859-4297-1991
Denpasar, Sanur, Ubud, Gianyar: 0853-3775-2245
North of the island (Singaraja, Lovina): 0813-5390-9733
Tabanan (new office): 0813-5332-300
Klungkung and Nusa Penida: 0851-9591-9173
Police stress that these measures are aimed at protecting law-abiding travellers.
The goal is to show that Bali remains a place for holidays and spiritual growth, not for criminal ambitions. It looks like the era of impunity really is coming to an end.
If you have trouble with local law, find yourself in a difficult situation, have been in a road accident, been attacked, or face other incidents requiring law enforcement involvement and you need help, you can contact Legal Indonesia:
Sources: detik, infoDenpasar
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