To maintain public order and administrative compliance, law enforcement officers in Bali have intensified operations targeting migrant residents, particularly those residing in densely populated areas such as housing compounds and villa construction sites.
One such operation took place on the evening of Saturday, May 10, 2025, in the Dangin Puri Subdistrict, East Denpasar. The operation targeted boarding houses and rented accommodations in Banjar Kayumas Kaja and Banjar Abasan.
A total of 30 migrant residents from outside Bali, comprising 20 men and 10 women were found without valid identification documents.
These individuals were then assisted in obtaining a Resident Registration Certificate (free of charge), in order to be officially registered and avoid being classified as illegal residents.
East Denpasar Police Chief, Commissioner Ketut Tomiyasa, S.H., M.H., emphasized that the initiative is not only about enforcement but also education.
According to Balipost, “We are working closely with subdistrict governments and all stakeholders to maintain a safe, orderly, and well-monitored community,” he said.
Maintaining Neighborhood Safety
A similar operation had been carried out the night before in Banjar Bun and Banjar Kaliungu Kelod, where 20 more unregistered migrants were identified. They too received guidance and were facilitated in processing their registration at no cost.
Amid recent incidents involving migrants from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), West Denpasar Police intensified efforts by visiting boarding houses in Jalan Teuku Umar, Denpasar.
Officers provided education and community outreach to encourage respect for Balinese customs and discourage excessive alcohol consumption an issue linked to public disturbances.
In South Kuta, another sweep was conducted on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at a villa construction project site in Taman Griya, Jimbaran. Between 10:55 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., 25 migrant workers, including the site supervisor Wiji Harta were inspected. Officers delivered humane warnings regarding environmental cleanliness, alcohol prohibition on-site, and maintaining neighborhood safety.
South Kuta Police Chief AKP I Komang Agus Dharmayana, S.I.K., M.Si., confirmed that such actions are part of the police’s preventive measures to ensure public order in project-heavy zones.
Simultaneously, officers conducted inspections at another construction site, Villa Kampial Hill, in Menesa, Kampial Customary Village, where 20 unregistered non-permanent residents were identified and asked to report to the Benoa Village Office to complete their registration.
Balipuspanews reports, “We regularly conduct these checks to minimize risks to public safety. We want to ensure all temporary residents living or working in our area are properly documented,” emphasized AKP Komang Agus.
Commissioner Tomiyasa reiterated that the initiative, known locally as Tibduktang (Migrant Resident Orderliness Program), is not just about regulation but public education.
According to Filesatu, “We want to raise awareness among migrants about the importance of having formal identification as part of their responsibility in society. This is also a key step in early detection and prevention of security threats,” he said.
Crackdown on Foreigners
The Badung Regional House of Representatives in Commission III has expressed full support for the regency’s efforts to crack down on illegal villas and boarding houses accommodating foreign nationals. Chairman I Made Ponda Wirawan stated that these unauthorized rentals harm the region’s revenue by diverting guests away from tax-paying hotels and licensed accommodations.
Balitribune.co.id, reports, “We’re committed to supporting this through regulatory changes and increased oversight. If necessary, we will push for revisions or new local regulations,” he said.
He added that under national financial law, any economic transaction, even those from unlicensed operations, should be subject to taxation. “Many tourists stay in these unofficial places and evade local taxes, hurting both our legal tourism operators and regional income,” Ponda explained.
As a result, legitimate hotels and villas are experiencing lower occupancy rates while unregistered businesses flourish. “This directly impacts our local revenue, which is why we fully support enforcement actions,” he concluded.
Sources: Radarbuleleng, Balipost, Balipuspanews, Filesatu, Balitribune.co.id
Feat Image: via BaliPuspaNews