Officials on Indonesia’s renowned resort island of Bali have called for stricter penalties and the swift deportation of unruly foreign visitors. This move aims to safeguard the island’s tourism reputation as concerns over rising crime rates grow. The call for action was highlighted by Komang Nova Sewi Putra, deputy chairman of Bali’s legislative council, who emphasized the importance of deporting foreign nationals who break the law to ensure the island’s security, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.
Putra remarked, “If we were abroad and got into a fight, we would immediately be deported. Why isn’t this enforced in Bali? Once caught, deport them. This will make Bali safer.” His sentiments were echoed by Nyoman Budiutama, chairman of Commission I of Bali’s legislative council, who stressed the need for serious attention to Bali’s security situation, particularly in light of the recent surge in criminal cases involving foreign nationals and permit violations, as reported by The Bali Sun.
Rising Crime and Its Implications
The most common offenses committed by foreigners include conventional crimes such as theft and traffic violations, along with violations of residence permits used for business purposes. According to data, Bali police recorded 3,538 incidents of public order and security disturbances from January to July 21, 2025. These incidents involved both Indonesian nationals and foreigners, with 2,776 classified as criminal cases, encompassing conventional crimes, transnational crimes, and violations of state assets.
Crimes committed by foreign nationals were predominantly assaults and fraud, while crimes affecting foreign victims were mostly theft, robbery, and extortion.
This development follows Bali’s recognition as Asia’s most beautiful island in this year’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards by DestinAsian magazine. The island also received the same accolade from readers of Condé Nast Traveler in its Readers’ Choice Awards last October. Despite these honors, the increase in crime poses a threat to Bali’s image as a safe and idyllic tourist destination.
Tourism Boom and New Guidelines
Bali welcomed 6.3 million foreign visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and aims to attract 6.5 million tourists this year. The surge in tourism has brought economic benefits but also challenges, particularly in managing the behavior of visitors. In response, the island has introduced new guidelines for foreign visitors to address misbehavior and improve its tourism image amid the travel boom.
The announcement comes as Bali seeks to balance its booming tourism industry with the need to maintain public order and safety. The proposed deportation policy is seen as a decisive measure to deter potential offenders and reassure both locals and tourists of their safety.
Expert Opinions and Historical Context
Experts suggest that Bali’s approach is not unprecedented. Many countries have strict policies regarding the deportation of foreign nationals who violate local laws. For instance, Singapore is known for its stringent regulations and swift action against foreigners who commit crimes, which has contributed to its reputation as one of the safest cities globally.
According to sources, the move represents a broader trend among popular tourist destinations to enforce stricter laws to protect their tourism industries. As Bali continues to attract millions of visitors annually, the island’s authorities are keen to ensure that its appeal as a safe and beautiful destination is not compromised by the actions of a few.
Looking Ahead
As Bali navigates this complex issue, the island’s leadership remains committed to maintaining its status as a top tourist destination. The proposed deportation policy, along with the newly introduced visitor guidelines, aims to create a safer environment for both tourists and residents.
Meanwhile, the local government is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely and make adjustments as necessary to address any emerging challenges. The success of these measures will likely depend on their implementation and the cooperation of all stakeholders, including tourists, local businesses, and law enforcement agencies.
As Bali looks to the future, the island’s ability to balance its thriving tourism industry with the need for security and order will be crucial in maintaining its allure and ensuring sustainable growth.
