Anti-Thug Team Launched In Bali To Protect Tourists From Organized Crime 

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Bali has just launched its new Anti-Thug Team to help tackle rising crime rates in top resort areas.

Over the last few months, there has been a sharp rise in the number of reported robberies and assaults on tourists and the general public in areas like bus terminals, markets, tourist side streets, and street food halls. 

Badung Regency Police, which is in charge of keeping tourism resorts like Canggu, Uluwatu, Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua safe, has created a new Anti-Thug Team to crack down on crime once and for all.

Initiated by Badung Police Chief, AKBP Arif Batubara, the new team includes officers from Badung Police, the army units in Badung Regency, local traditional village security teams known as Pecalang, and civil police officers from the Satpol PP. 

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AKBP Arif Batubara told reporters, “The actions of thuggery in Indonesia are currently a special concern of the president. The actions of thuggery are associated with acts of violence, abuse, extortion, robbery, extortion, ganging up, threats, and other types of violence whether committed by individuals or groups.”

AKBP Batubara and security teams in Bali are acutely aware that the public needs to be kept safe from acts of thuggery, but that the public image of Bali as a safe, welcoming, and comfortable destination must be maintained. Since tourism and foreign investment make up the vast majority of Bali Province’s income, the island cannot afford for the tide to turn. 

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He shared, “Specifically in the jurisdiction of the Bali Police and Badung Police, which rely on tourism as a source of economic growth for the community, strict action will also be taken.”

AKBP Batubara called for everyone to play an active role in keeping the area safe noting ”So we also appeal to the public, if later there are indications of thuggery in the jurisdiction of the Badung Police, to report it to us.”

He concluded, “With the formation of this anti-thuggery, the Badung Police hope to create a conducive regional situation and provide a sense of security and peace for all levels of society.”

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The formation of the Anti-Thug Team comes just days after Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster issued firm statements confirming that organized crime gangs and opportunistic criminals had no place in the island’s society.

He called for a return to cultural roots and for Traditional Village Leaders to step up and help resolve the issues that push young people into crime.

Governor Koster pledged his support to security authorities across the island in stamping out crime and antisocial behavior from local criminals toward tourists and the public as soon as possible. 

In a statement issued on Friday 9th May 2025 in the presence of the Bali High Prosecutor and the Regent of Badung, Governor Koster explained “The form is a mass organization, but the behavior is like a thug. This cannot be allowed.” 

He added “Badung is the heart of tourism. We cannot allow public space to be damaged by wild behavior under the guise of organization.” Noting “This is not just a legal matter. This is a gamble on the future of Bali.”

Governor Koster also warned security teams in Bali not to misuse their power and to continue to serve Bali, its people, and its visitors with the utmost honor.

Governor Koster warned “Anyone who misuses the name of the organization to disturb the community will face customs and the state directly. Do not underestimate the power of Balinese culture.”

The Head of the Bali High Prosecutor’s Office, Ketut Sumedana, echoed Governor Koster’s sentiments, adding, “This is a reflection of Bali’s civilized and mature response to conflict.”