Bali Law Enforcement Reveals Tourist Deportation Figures

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It’s that time of the year again when the first set of deportation figures are revealed by the authorities in Bali.

Despite the numerous reports of foreigners behaving badly, this quarter’s figures are lower than what many people would be expecting.

Data also shows the overall number of tourists who have visited Bali in the last few months.

Ngurah Rai Immigration has confirmed that the number of foreign tourists who have visited the Island of the Gods in the first quarter from January to March reached 1.3 million people.

This is an increase of 32% on the same period in 2023. 

Speaking at a press conference held at Ngurah Rai Immigration Offices, the Head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, Suhendra, revealed that the total number of travelers who passed through Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport during the first quarter of this year reached 3 million people.

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With figures broken down, this can be seen as 1,355,814 foreign arrivals and 103,804 Indonesian arrivals. The number of departures recorded was 1,389,251 for foreigners and 98,520 for Indonesian citizens.

The top ten most frequent international arrivals look much the same as in previous years, with the top ten in order looking like Australia, China, India, South Korea, England, the United States, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, and Japan.

Suhendra also revealed that Ngurah Rai Immigration’s Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) has been boosted and has now reached IDR 483.5 billion.

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As the Head of Immigration, Suhendra also noted how the new upgrades at Bali Airport have been making a difference to both passengers and operational staff.

He explained, “We’ve provided 30 autogates at the arrival terminal which can be used by Indonesian citizens (all types of passports), foreigners (electronic passports) holders of E-VOA, E-Visa, KITAS, KITAP, as well as BVK subject countries who have registered on the eVisa website.” 

“With the use of autogate, it is hoped that immigration inspection traffic will become more effective, efficient, and smooth.” 

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Suhendra shared the lowdown on the number of foreigners who were deported from Bali, denied entry to the country, and delayed upon departure pending further investigation.

He explained, “There were 318 foreigners denied arrival, including 132 people who did not have an Indonesian visa, 32 people whose passport was valid for less than six months, 16 people were banned, 11 people were hit by Interpol, one person was [a convicted criminal], and 126 people were banned for other reasons. 

He added, “In addition to the delay in departure for foreigners or Indonesian citizens, there were 103 people, with details of 84 Indonesian citizens suspected of being non-procedural PMIs, four foreigners overstaying, and 15 people for other reasons.” 

Suehndra confirmed that in the first quarter of 2024, a total of 37 foreigners were formally deported, and 27 more were in detainment. The majority were deported for overstaying their visas. Over 15,000 people have extended their visas in Bali over the last three months. 

He continued, “Of the number of foreigners who were subject to [deportation], 18 foreigners were due to not complying with laws and regulations, and 35 foreigners were due to overstaying. Most of the foreigners who were subject to [deportation] came from Australia, Iran, the United States, Russia, Ukraine, and England.”

Suhendra concluded, “I hope that the employees can continue to be committed and disciplined and prioritize synergy and collaboration to create a more sure and moral Ngurah Rai Immigration.”

The number of deportations may feel surprisingly low given the mounting number of reports and viral videos online of foreigners breaking the law and disrespecting local culture.

This is something that the DPD RI Member newly elected in the 2024 Election, Ni Luh Djelantik, is committed to focusing on when she is sworn in later this year.

In an interview on TalkShow on Friday, 5th April, Djelantik said, “Not obeying the rules, taking jobs from local people, violating visas, you have to face us.”

She receives hundreds of complaints daily from local people and tourism workers and has committed to addressing this with urgency during her time in office.