Directorate General of Immigration has established an Immigration Patrol Task Force in Bali to strengthen oversight of foreign nationals amid increasing reports of legal violations and public disturbances caused by tourists on the island.
“The formation of this Immigration Patrol Task Force is part of our effort to maintain national security, public order, sovereignty, and the dignity of the state,” said Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, during the official inauguration at Benoa Port, Denpasar, on Tuesday (August 5, 2025).
Agus explained that this task force was created in response to directives from the President to safeguard Bali’s status as a key tourism destination in Indonesia.
The task force is assigned to conduct regular patrols and surveillance, particularly targeting foreigners suspected of traffic violations, fraudulent investment schemes, illegal employment, drug-related crimes, theft, and other offenses.
The task force consists of around 100 immigration officers equipped with safety vests and body cameras.
Patrols will be conducted using motorcycles and immigration patrol cars across key locations including North Kuta (Canggu), Seminyak, Kerobokan, Matahari Terbit and Benoa Ports, Pecatu (Uluwatu and Bingin), Mertasari Beach, Kuta and Gianyar (Ubud), as well as Nusa Dua and Jimbaran.
According to Kumparan.com, “All personnel must carry out regular patrols and enforce the law firmly and professionally against any violations, including schemes involving residence permits through fake investments, misuse of tourist visas for illegal work, and other immigration-related offenses,” Agus emphasized.
Rotated and Randomized
Acting Director General of Immigration, Yuldi Yusman, added that patrol teams will operate on designated routes, especially in areas known for high concentrations of foreign nationals or frequent violations. Patrol schedules will be rotated and randomized to avoid predictability.
“Team leaders and patrol officers will move according to pre-set routes. The timing will be both regular and randomized to prevent patterns that are easy to anticipate,” said Yuldi.
Recent immigration enforcement data shows a notable increase in actions taken. Between November and December 2024, there were 607 deportations and 303 detentions.
That number surged significantly from January to July 2025 with 2,669 deportations and 2,009 detentions. In the same period, 62 foreign nationals were subjected to legal proceedings.
According to Antarasulsel, “We will continue to intensify similar operations both local routine patrols and national-level efforts like Operation Wira Waspada to support national security, deter future violations, and maintain public confidence in immigration enforcement,” Yuldi added.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by approximately 500 participants, including representatives from Immigration, Corrections, the military, police, municipal officers, traditional security personnel (Pecalang), and observed by Bali Governor, the head of Bali’s provincial legislature, Bali Police Chief, the Commander of Military Command IX/Udayana, Bali’s Chief Prosecutor, and other regional officials.
Meanwhile, despite government efforts, criminal acts involving foreigners remain prevalent throughout 2025.
One of the latest incidents involved the shooting of an Australian national at a villa in Badung, resulting in two fatalities and the arrest of three suspects.
The legal basis for the formation of the Immigration Patrol Task Force is Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, Article 66 Paragraph 2 Letter b, and Government Regulation No. 31 of 2013, Article 181.
Sources: Kumparan.com, AntaraSulsel
Feat Image: via Directorate General of Immigration