Bali Official Urges Swift Deportation of Unruly Foreigners Amid Crime Surge

Key Takeaways

• Bali recorded 108 foreign suspect criminal cases from January to June 2025, up from 59 in 2022.
• New Circular Letter No. 7 of 2025 enforces immediate deportation for foreigners breaking laws or disrespecting local customs.
• Special task forces target illegal foreign businesses and visa violations, with 128 foreigners deported Jan–Mar 2025.

Bali Moves to Expel Unruly Foreigners Amid Rising Crime and Public Outcry

Bali, Indonesia’s most famous tourist island, is facing a new wave of concern over the behavior of some foreign visitors. In June 2025, top officials in Bali called for immediate deportation of unruly foreigners after a sharp rise in crimes and public disturbances linked to foreign nationals. This move comes after a high-profile shooting involving Australian nationals on June 14, 2025, and growing frustration among locals about what they see as weak enforcement of existing rules.

Who is involved? Bali’s legislative leaders, including Deputy Chairman I of the Bali DPRD Wayan Disel Astawa and Deputy Chairman III Komang Nova Sewi Putra, are leading the push for tougher action. Governor Wayan Koster, now in his second term, has also taken a strong stance, promising a “no mercy” approach to any foreigner who breaks the law or disrespects local customs.

What is happening? The government is introducing stricter deportation policies, deploying special task forces to target illegal foreign-owned businesses and visa violations, and increasing cooperation between police, immigration, and traditional village security teams. The goal is to protect Bali’s reputation as a safe and respectful destination, while also addressing the concerns of local residents and businesses.

Why now? Bali has long struggled with unruly foreigners, but the problem has grown worse. According to Bali Police, there were 108 criminal cases involving foreign suspects between January 1 and June 21, 2025, compared to just 59 in all of 2022. Experts warn that if these issues are not addressed quickly, organized foreign criminal groups could take root, threatening both public safety and the island’s vital tourism industry.

Surge in Crime and Public Disturbances

The recent spike in crime involving foreigners has alarmed both officials and residents. Bali Police data shows a clear upward trend:

• 2022: 59 criminal cases involving foreign suspects
• 2023: 60 cases
• 2024: 133 cases
• Jan 1–June 21, 2025: 108 cases (foreign suspects), 176 cases (foreign victims)

Most of these cases involve assault and fraud, but there have also been reports of shootings, organized robberies, and other serious offenses. In the first half of 2025 alone, there were 3,538 public order disturbances reported, including 2,776 criminal cases involving both Indonesians and foreigners.

Officials are especially worried about the rise of organized foreign criminal groups. Criminologists warn that if left unchecked, these groups could form mafia-like syndicates, exploiting weaknesses in local law enforcement and even corruption.

Tougher Deportation Policies

In response, Bali’s leaders are pushing for a policy of swift deportation for any foreigner found breaking the law or disrespecting local customs. This means that even minor offenses—such as reckless driving, disrespecting sacred sites, or running illegal businesses—can now result in immediate expulsion from Indonesia.

Key elements of the new policy include:

• Immediate Deportation: Foreigners who break the law or violate local customs can be deported with little or no warning.
• No Mercy Approach: Governor Wayan Koster has made it clear that there will be no exceptions for anyone who disrespects Balinese culture or laws.
• Stricter Enforcement: Circular Letter No. 7 of 2025 updates and strengthens previous regulations, making it easier for authorities to act quickly.
• Special Task Forces: Teams have been set up to crack down on illegal foreign-owned businesses and visa violations, especially in tourist hotspots like Badung Regency.

Deportation statistics:

• Jan–Mar 2025: 128 foreign nationals deported (top nationalities: Russia 32, USA 10, Ukraine 8, Australia/India/Timor Leste 6 each)
• Jan–June 7, 2024: 135 foreigners from 41 countries deported

These numbers show that Bali is not just talking tough—it is taking real action.

How the Deportation Process Works

For foreigners in Bali, the risk of deportation is now higher than ever. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Identification: Police, immigration officers, or community members report foreigners suspected of crimes or violations.
2. Investigation: Authorities check the details of the offense and review the person’s visa status.
3. Detention: Offenders may be held while the investigation continues.
   4. Deportation Order: If found guilty, immigration authorities issue a deportation order.
4. Removal: The individual is escorted to the airport and placed on the next available flight out of Indonesia.

This process can move very quickly, especially for those accused of serious crimes or disrespecting local customs. There is often little chance to appeal or delay the decision.

For more details on deportation procedures and regulations, readers can visit the official Bali Provincial Government website.

Voices from Bali: Officials, Police, and Community Leaders

Komang Nova Sewi Putra, Deputy Chairman of the Bali DPRD, has been outspoken in calling for immediate deportation of law-breaking foreigners. He stresses the need for clear visa oversight and closer cooperation between traditional village security and the police.

Governor Wayan Koster is enforcing stricter tourism laws and supporting the “no mercy” deportation policy. He has also pushed for better education for tourists before they arrive, so they understand what is expected of them in Bali.

Soelistijono, Head of Operations Bureau at Bali Police, says all stakeholders must work together to keep Bali safe. He warns that if disorder continues, it could seriously damage the island’s tourism industry.

Ni Luh Djelantik, a Bali senator, has warned tourists that reckless behavior—especially on the roads—will now result in swift deportation.

Impact on Tourists, Businesses, and the Local Community

For Foreign Tourists: The message is clear: any violation of local laws, customs, or visa conditions can now result in immediate deportation. This includes:

• Reckless driving (such as riding motorbikes without helmets or licenses)
• Disrespecting sacred sites (for example, taking inappropriate photos at temples)
• Illegal business activities (working or running a business without the right visa)
• Visa overstays or fraud

There is little room for excuses or appeals. Tourists are expected to respect local rules at all times.

For Local Businesses: The crackdown is also aimed at illegal foreign-owned businesses, which often operate without proper licenses or use tourist visas to avoid taxes. Special task forces are targeting these operations, and legitimate local businesses generally support the move, seeing it as a way to protect themselves from unfair competition.

For Immigration Procedures: Bali is using new technology to improve monitoring of foreign nationals. For example, 80 autogates have been installed at Ngurah Rai International Airport to speed up entry and help authorities keep better track of who is coming and going.

Background: Why Bali Is Taking Action Now

Bali has always been a popular destination for tourists from around the world. But with that popularity has come a long history of problems with unruly foreigners, visa violations, and illegal businesses. In the past, efforts to control these issues were often seen as too weak or poorly enforced.

The situation changed in 2025 after a sharp rise in serious crimes involving foreigners, including shootings and organized robberies. This led to a more aggressive response from the government, building on earlier regulations like Circular Letter No. 4 of 2023. The new Circular Letter No. 7 of 2025 introduces even stricter rules, tougher penalties, and better cooperation with foreign consulates to educate tourists before they arrive.

Expert Opinions and Different Perspectives

Criminologists warn that the rise in foreign criminal groups could lead to organized crime syndicates if not stopped quickly. They say that weaknesses in local enforcement and corruption could make the problem worse.

Local Officials argue that swift deportation is necessary to deter further violations and protect Bali’s reputation and social fabric. They believe that strong action now will prevent bigger problems in the future.

The Business Community mostly supports the crackdown, as it helps protect legitimate businesses from unfair foreign competition.

Tourism Advocates are divided. Some worry that harsh measures could scare away good tourists and hurt Bali’s image as a friendly place. But most agree that order and respect for local culture are more important in the long run.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the balance between keeping Bali safe and welcoming is a delicate one. The government’s message is clear: respect the rules, or face the consequences.

What This Means for the Future

Bali’s crackdown on unruly foreigners is likely to continue, with even stricter enforcement and closer cooperation between police, immigration, and traditional village security teams. There are ongoing discussions about making the rules even clearer, so it is easier to tell the difference between legitimate tourists, business operators, and offenders.

There are also calls for stricter visa controls and better screening of visitors before they arrive. This could mean new regulations or more use of technology to monitor foreign nationals in the future.

Key Takeaways for Visitors:

• Always respect local laws and customs in Bali.
• Make sure your visa is valid and matches your activities (tourists should not work or run businesses).
• Avoid any behavior that could be seen as disrespectful or dangerous.
• If you are unsure about the rules, ask local authorities or check official government websites.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

If you need more information or help with immigration issues in Bali, here are some useful contacts:

• Bali Provincial Government: lovebali.baliprov.go.id
• Ngurah Rai Immigration Office: Located at Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar
• Bali Police: Headquarters in Denpasar; emergency number 110 (works across Indonesia)
• Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Bali Regional Office: Supervises immigration and deportation processes

Summary Table: Key Data and Policy Actions

*Jan–June 7, 2024; **Jan–Mar 2025

Practical Guidance for Foreigners in Bali

If you are planning to visit or stay in Bali, here are some practical steps to avoid problems:

• Learn about local customs and laws before you arrive. Many things that are acceptable in your home country may not be allowed in Bali.
• Follow all traffic rules and always wear a helmet if you ride a motorbike.
• Do not work or run a business unless you have the correct visa. Tourist visas do not allow you to work.
• Respect religious and sacred sites. Dress modestly and behave appropriately at temples and ceremonies.
• Keep your visa and passport valid. Do not overstay your visa or provide false information.

If you are accused of breaking the law or violating your visa, you may be detained and deported very quickly. There is often little chance to appeal, so it is important to follow the rules at all times.

For more information on visas and immigration requirements, you can visit the official Indonesian immigration website.

Conclusion

Bali’s new approach to dealing with unruly foreigners is tough but clear. The island’s leaders are determined to protect their community, culture, and tourism industry by taking swift action against anyone who breaks the rules. For visitors, the message is simple: respect Bali, or risk being sent home. By following local laws and customs, tourists can help keep Bali a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Learn Today

Deportation → Official removal of a foreigner from a country for legal or immigration violations.
Visa Violations → Breaches of visa terms, like overstaying or unauthorized work in a foreign country.
Circular Letter → An official government directive that updates or enforces policies.
Task Force → A specially assigned team to enforce laws or investigate specific issues.
Public Disturbances → Events causing disorder or unrest affecting community safety and peace.

This Article in a Nutshell

Bali enforces swift deportation for unruly foreigners amid rising crimes, including shootings and fraud. Authorities strengthen policies, deploy task forces, and target visa offenders to protect tourism and local culture, demanding respect from visitors or facing immediate expulsion from Indonesia.
— By VisaVerge.com