Bali Governor, Wayan Koster, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening collaboration between Bali Provincial Government and the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration to enhance immigration services, particularly at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
This statement was made during an official meeting with the Head of the Bali Regional Immigration Office, Parlindungan, and his team at Denpasar, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Governor Koster emphasized that efficient and selective immigration services play a crucial role in supporting the development of high-quality tourism in Bali. He noted that immigration checkpoints serve as the first point of contact for international tourists arriving on the island, making the quality of service there especially significant.
“Foreign nationals enter Bali through immigration. That’s why services must be excellent fast, smooth, and selective,” he stated. He further underlined that any foreigner found to be involved in criminal activities must face strict legal action without compromise. “This concerns the dignity of our nation and the image of Bali as a global destination,” Wayan Koster explained, as quoted from BaliSharing.
Joint Task Force
To address growing public concerns about the misconduct of some foreign visitors, Governor Koster proposed the formation of a joint task force composed of officers from the Immigration Office, the Public Order Agency, and pecalang—traditional Balinese security personnel.
This team will be deployed on the ground to carry out integrated monitoring and enforcement efforts targeting foreign nationals who violate local laws or disregard Balinese cultural norms.
“Enforcement efforts must be coordinated, not fragmented. Only then can we truly protect Bali’s reputation and safeguard community wellbeing,” the Governor asserted.
This initiative comes in response to a rise in incidents involving foreign tourists who have broken the law, misused visas, committed traffic violations, or acted in ways that are offensive to Balinese customs and traditions.
Head of the Bali Immigration Office, Parlindungan, expressed his full support for the Governor’s initiative, highlighting the need for close cooperation between government institutions to effectively manage the increasing number of foreign visitors entering Bali each year.
“We are fully committed to working with the provincial government to ensure a safe and orderly tourism environment. This aligns with our responsibilities in managing immigration,” said Parlindungan.
With the establishment of the joint task force, the Bali Provincial Government is making it clear that the island’s tourism strategy moving forward will prioritize quality over quantity. International visitors are welcome to enjoy Bali’s natural beauty, but they are also expected to respect local laws and cultural values.
By implementing a more integrated and assertive approach, Bali aims to preserve its identity as a world-class tourist destination—one that is not only beautiful, but also orderly, respectful, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Sources: BaliSharing, Gesuri.id
Feat Image: via Shutterstock/MarlonTrottmann