Kuta Beach is usually where you find surfers, coconut sellers and friendly massage therapists, but this time immigration officers appeared alongside them. This is how Bali launched a new format for public services, which is planned to be rolled out across the island in the future.
Last weekend, the first Public Service Bazaar (Bazar Pelayanan Publik) took place on Kuta Beach. It was organised by the Bali High Prosecutor’s Office and the Badung Regency administration. On the day, volunteers cleaned the beach and released baby turtles into the ocean. At the same time, temporary service points from various agencies were operating there, where residents and tourists could get advice and process certain documents.
The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office also opened its mobile office. In one day, officers received 31 applications for Indonesian passports and two applications for stay permits. Visitors were also given information about the work of the immigration service and current procedures.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster, who personally opened the event, said that the quality of the immigration service directly affects Bali’s reputation as an international tourist destination. According to him, the number of foreign tourist visits is already approaching 7 million, so the workload of the island’s immigration offices has become one of the highest in Indonesia.
The head of the Bali High Prosecutor’s Office, Setiawan Budi Cahyono, explained that the idea behind the project is to bring public services together in one place. The bazaar also included the police, representatives of the healthcare service, the BPJS national health insurance system, banks, lawyers and staff accepting payments for traffic fines.
The authorities plan to hold such outreach events regularly and open mobile service points not only on beaches but also in other parts of the island. The immigration service also organises similar appointments in shopping centres.
Sources: Antara, Immigration Office
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