Jakarta. Indonesia has tightened immigration oversight in Bali by deploying a dedicated patrol task force, as a surge in crimes involving foreign nationals raises concerns over security in the country’s top tourism hub.

Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko said the newly formed Immigration Patrol Task Force is aimed at safeguarding stability and public order across the island.

“The establishment of the Immigration Patrol Task Force is a concrete step to maintain stability and security in Bali, Indonesia’s leading tourist destination,” Hendarsam said, as quoted by Antara.

Patrols will focus on key foreign tourist hotspots, including Canggu, Kerobokan, Kediri, and Ubud, with the unit tasked to respond swiftly to potential legal violations involving foreigners.

Bali recorded more than 6.9 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, accounting for around 44% of Indonesia’s total international visitors. However, the influx has been accompanied by a sharp rise in legal cases.

Government data showed that about 2,600 foreign nationals were deported and another 2,000 detained between January and July 2025, marking a significant increase from the previous year.

In 2026, immigration authorities have deported at least 165 foreigners and detained 62 others so far.

A series of high-profile crimes has also dented Bali’s reputation as a global tourism destination. These include the murder of a Ukrainian national in Gianyar, where the victim’s body was found dismembered.

Police have named seven foreign suspects in the case, but only one, a Nigerian national, has been arrested, while the others remain at large.

Other incidents include the stabbing of a Dutch national in Kerobokan involving two Brazilian suspects, and the arrest of Scottish fugitive Steven Lyons at Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Lyons is listed on an Interpol wanted notice for alleged involvement in organized crime, including drug trafficking and money laundering.

Separately, a Swiss national was detained for alleged hate speech related to Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence, and faces up to five years in prison.

Immigration authorities said they will also work closely with village officials and community leaders to strengthen monitoring at the local level.

“We will continue to intensify our monitoring, both through routine regional patrols and nationwide operations, to maintain security and strengthen public trust in immigration,” Hendarsam said.

He stressed that Bali must remain a safe and welcoming destination while enforcing strict compliance with the law.

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