Leaders in Bali’s Kuta Resort have met to discuss rising concerns that security is worsening in the area.
Kuta is one of Bali’s oldest and most famous beachfront resorts, but in recent years, reports of crime have started to make headlines more frequently.
The Denpasar Police Chief, Police Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Simatupang, called a major stakeholder and community meeting on Wednesday, 14th May, to bring together individuals and organisations concerned about the rising levels of crime in the Kuta tourism resort area.
Attendees included Bali Police Officers, Pecalang from Kuta Traditional Village, and representatives from Bakamda, Linmas, and Kelian Dinas. Increasingly reported crimes include break-ins, muggings, and traffic violations.
The Head of the Kuta Traditional Village, Ngurah Alit Ardana, told the meeting, “Our area is guarded by 150 self-initiative security members. They routinely maintain the security of the area. The Kuta area, which is an international tourist destination, should be a special concern for security.”
He called for more support from Bali Police to help manage security in the area, noting that a collaborative effort is needed to help safeguard the resort and that local traditional security teams, known as pecalang, need more assistance from the law.
Ardana highlighted the limited availability of personnel from Kuta Police as one potential source of the increasing crime rates in the resort. Ardana also shared that he regularly records many police stations in Kuta without officers available or even on duty.
Ardana also discussed illegal and dangerous driving in Kuta, which poses a risk to both local community members and tourists and is caused by both locals and foreigners. He added, “Many vehicles violate the rules, such as not wearing helmets, not having license plates, and violating other traffic, and escape the attention of the officer.”
A statement read out from the Pecalang of Kuta Traditional Village appealed for more support across the board, but especially in relation to traffic violations in the area. The statement read, “We ask for firm action, both from foreign tourists, local residents, and immigrants.”
After hearing the insights and feedback from all stakeholders, Police Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Simatupang expressed his gratitude for the concerns and candor shared by contributors. He noted that the lack of staff at Kuta’s Police Station is due to a recent wave of retirements.
Nevertheless, he ensured that firm action and committed to eradicating criminal organizations and thieves in the Kuta in order to maintain the area as a safe and comfortable tourist destination for tourists.
He concluded, “We will immediately add personnel at the Kuta Police and fill the empty posts,” and noted that residents should not hesitate to call 110 should they need police assistance.
As Kuta works to eliminate crime in the area, it should be noted that Bali, even Kuta, remains a safe and welcoming destination for tourists.
Though crime rates are a concern, reported of crime in the area are still far lower in comparison on many other leading tourism destinations in the world, and most major cities in the world.
Tourists visiting Bali should be mindful of their belongings at all times, and be sure to leave high-value items locked in a safe in their accommodation when they go out for the day.
Tourists should also be considerate of what valuables they have about their person, including walking along sidewalks holding their phones, wearing high-value jewelry, and carrying bags that are easy to swipe or snatch.
Tourists should travel by taxi at night where possible and avoid walking along routes that are dimly lit or where all the shops, restaurants, and cafes are already closed for the night.
In the event that tourists become the victim of a crime in Bali, it is of the utmost importance to report the incident as quickly as possible to Bali Police and local pecalang security so that the right support and response can be put in place.
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